HMP Chelmsford is a Category B local prison in Essex, serving courts across Essex and east London. It holds remand and sentenced prisoners.
About HMP Chelmsford
HMP Chelmsford is a Category B male establishment situated in Chelmsford, Essex, within the East of England region. Operated by HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), the prison has an operational capacity of approximately 738 and has been in operation since 1830.
Category B prisons hold those who don't require maximum security, but for whom escape still needs to be made very difficult. Many local prisons that serve courts fall into this category, holding both remand and sentenced prisoners.
How to Visit HMP Chelmsford
If you want to visit someone at HMP Chelmsford, you'll first need to be placed on the prisoner's approved visitor list. The prisoner themselves will need to submit your details — including your full name, date of birth, and address — for a basic security check. This process can take a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the prison.
Once you've been approved, you can book visits in one of two ways:
- Online: Use the GOV.UK prison visit booking service — it's free and available 24/7
- By phone: Call HMP Chelmsford directly on 01245 552000 during working hours
On the day of your visit, make sure you arrive at least 30 minutes before your allocated time. You'll need to bring valid photo ID (passport, driving licence, or national identity card). There are restrictions on what you can bring into the prison — generally no phones, cameras, or electronic devices are allowed. Most prisons allow a small amount of cash for the vending machines in the visits hall.
Contacting HMP Chelmsford
You can reach HMP Chelmsford by phone on 01245 552000. Phone lines are typically open Monday to Friday during standard office hours. For written correspondence, the postal address is:
If you need to send money to someone at HMP Chelmsford, the easiest method is through the GOV.UK Send Money to a Prisoner service. It's free and takes just a few minutes online.
Sending Items to Prisoners at Chelmsford
Rules on sending items vary by prison, but generally you cannot send parcels directly to prisoners. Most prisons use an approved catalogue system where prisoners can order items using money in their prison account. Some establishments allow books to be sent via approved retailers such as Amazon or Blackwell's — but always check with the prison first by calling 01245 552000.
Phone Calls at HMP Chelmsford
Prisoners at HMP Chelmsford can make outgoing calls using the prison phone system (typically BT or a dedicated provider). They'll need credit on their phone account, which can be topped up by family and friends. Calls to UK landlines generally cost around 1p per minute, while mobile calls are more expensive. For more detail on costs, see our guide on how much prison phone calls cost.
Prisoners cannot receive incoming calls. All outgoing calls (except those to legal representatives) are recorded and may be monitored.
Frequently Asked Questions About HMP Chelmsford
What category is HMP Chelmsford?
HMP Chelmsford is classified as a Category B prison. Category B prisons hold those who don't require maximum security, but for whom escape still needs to be made very difficult. Many local prisons that serve courts fall into this category, holding both remand and sentenced prisoners.
What is the capacity of HMP Chelmsford?
The prison has an operational capacity of approximately 738 prisoners. This number represents the certified normal accommodation plus any additional temporary beds. Actual population levels can fluctuate and sometimes exceed capacity.
How do I contact HMP Chelmsford?
You can call HMP Chelmsford on 01245 552000 during weekday working hours. For written correspondence, address letters to the prisoner's full name and prison number at 200 Springfield Road, Chelmsford, Chelmsford, CM2 6LQ.
How do I book a visit to HMP Chelmsford?
First, you need to be on the prisoner's approved visitor list. Once approved, book online at gov.uk/prison-visits or call 01245 552000. For more detailed information, see our guide on how to book a prison visit.
Who runs HMP Chelmsford?
HMP Chelmsford is operated by HMPPS. HM Prison and Probation Service is an executive agency of the Ministry of Justice, responsible for running most prisons in England and Wales.