book a visit at swansea prison

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https://gds.blog.gov.uk/2014/09/15/you-can-now-book-a-prison-visit-online/

You can now book a prison visit online

Booking a prison visit should be simple and straightforward. Until now that was far from the case. Booking a visit required both prisoner and visitor to jump through hoops: paper forms and drawn-out phone calls. And if the visit date turned out to be impossible, they had to start all over again.

Now you can book a visit online . It takes about 5 minutes. Before, picking an available date was pot luck. Now there's a date-picker that lets you select 3 possible slots instead of 1. It’s a straight-forward service with user-needs at its heart but, if you get stuck, you can call the prison's visits booking line and someone will help you with the booking.

Here's a very short film we've made about it:

By making it easier to book visits, prisoners will see more of their friends and family. Evidence suggests this will help their rehabilitation. Transformation isn't just about websites.

The service was built by the Ministry of Justice, with a combined team from the National Offender Management Service, HM Prison Service and MoJ Digital Services.

For more of the story behind this service, read Mike Bracken's account of his trip to HMP Rochester or check out the service’s transformation page .

Join the conversation on Twitter , and don't forget to sign up for email alerts .

You may also be interested in:

• Prison visit booking: using digital analytics to inform alpha development
• Making prison visits easier to book
• Meet the Transformation team

Sharing and comments

Share this page, 20 comments.

Comment by Pauline posted on 23 August 2015

How do you find out the prisoners number??? so you can go ahead with online booking of a visit?

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 24 August 2015

You can find a prisoner using this service: https://www.gov.uk/find-prisoner However it will be the prisoner's responsibility to get in touch with you to let you know their prison number etc.

Comment by linda posted on 15 August 2015

This service does not appear to work this is day 2 trying to use it

Comment by Olivia posted on 30 July 2015

Hi, If a visit is booked and someone cant make it, is it possible to change the name of one of the people to someone else?

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 30 July 2015

It's best to contact the prison directly if this happens. You can find contact details here: http://www.justice.gov.uk/contacts/prison-finder

Thanks, Louise

Comment by Paige posted on 28 July 2015

Hi my partner was sent to nottingham today, I was on his previous list 4 months ago for a visit. Will that still be on the system all will it have to he put through again if so how long does it take to be approved for a visit? Thanks Paige.

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 29 July 2015

You might want to get in touch with the prison first before booking a visit. You can find the contact details of the prison here: http://www.justice.gov.uk/contacts/prison-finder

Comment by Debs posted on 27 July 2015

Hello Is there a list of prisons where online booking can't be used?

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 28 July 2015

According to the information on this page: https://www.gov.uk/prison-visits , you can arrange a visit to any prison in England and Wales through this service. If you're visiting someone in Northern Ireland or Scotland you'll need to contact the prison directly.

This link also lists the type of visits that are not covered by the online service: https://www.gov.uk/prison-visits so you need to get in touch with the prison directly.

Hope that's helpful.

Comment by c.steer posted on 26 July 2015

So how do I find the booking form to fill in I am new to computers

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 27 July 2015

Here's the link to the booking form: https://www.gov.uk/prison-visits

You'll need this information to complete the form:

prisoner number prisoner’s date of birth dates of birth for all visitors coming with you make sure the person you’re visiting has added you to their visitor list

Hope that's useful.

Comment by Shawnaa posted on 09 May 2015

i have a visit booked which i did online but i do not have a visiting order woll the prison let me in?

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 11 May 2015

Your identity will be checked on arrival to make sure you’re on the visitor list.

Comment by jessicca posted on 27 January 2015

What happens after you book the visit and its confirmed by email do you need the visiting order ?

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 29 January 2015

The Visiting Order (VO) number is generated by the booking system, it is included in your confirmation email and you will need this to change or cancel a booking.

However, if you're visiting a prison the guidance is that you only need your ID, not the VO number. If when you visit the prison you are asked for the VO number you should report this via the Contact Us link on the Prison Visits Booking form.

I hope that helps.

Comment by Ilysa Mcnally posted on 18 November 2014

How late in advance can I book e.g. book a visit today (Tuesday) for the Sunday coming???

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 19 November 2014

Hi Ilysa. Thanks for your question. A visit needs to be booked 3 working days in advance. So in this case, the visit request would have to be no later than Tuesday to allow for a visit on Sunday.

Comment by carole posted on 23 October 2014

How far in advance can you book visits

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 23 October 2014

Hi Carole. You can book up to 28 days in advance. Thanks for your question.

Comment by kimberly posted on 16 August 2015

does anyone know how to cancel a visit online?

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HMP Swansea, Visits & getting there

Visits are held at the following times:

• Mon – Fri: 10:00-11:30, 13:45-14:45, 15:15-16:15
• Sat- Sun: 13:45-14:45, 15:15-16:15

You can book online at www.gov.uk/prison-visits . All you need is the name and date of birth of the person you are visiting , their prisoner number and details of the visitors. You can choose up to 3 possible dates and times. Prison booking staff will check what’s available and confirm your visit by email. If you’ve made an online visit booking request and haven’t received a confirmation email within 1-3 working days, email [email protected] .

You can book by phone on 01792 485322. Lines are open Monday to Friday 08:30 – 12:15 & 13:45 – 16:00. All visits must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.

There is a visitors centre click here  or call 01792-458645. You are advised to arrive ¾ hrs before your visit for the formalities. You will be expected to provide photo ID and proof of address, and you will be searched prior to being admitted to the visits hall. Like at all prisons, you can’t take mobiles, cigarettes etc into the visits hall and these need to be left in lockers.

The prison is close to the city centre opposite city hall. From the Quadrant Bus Station, walk to the seafront, cross two sets of traffic lights and the prison is on your right hand side. From the train station it is about a 20 mins walk.

If driving from the M4 westbound exit at junction 42 and then take the A483 (Fabian Way), go past the Amazon warehouse, which is on your right-hand side. Go through the next 5 sets of traffic lights (you will pass a Sainsburys on your left at the third set of lights). Go along the sea front, through four further sets of traffic lights. The prison is on your right hand side. The prison doesn’t have a visitor’s car park, but there is a public car park opposite

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How to book a prison visit

If you’re looking to visit a friend or family member in a UK prison, it’s important to know the steps you need to take to book a visit. In this blog post, we’ll go through the process of booking a visit, as well as how children can be included in visits.

Step 1: Find out the prisoner’s details

Before you can book a visit, you’ll need to know the prisoner’s full name, date of birth, prisoner number and prison location. You can find this information by contacting the prisoner or using the ‘ Locate a prisoner ‘ section of the UK Gov website.

Step 2: Complete the application form.

Once you have the prisoner’s details, you’ll usually need to complete an application form to request a visit. You can usually find the application form on the prison’s website or by contacting them directly.

Step 3: Wait for approval

Once you’ve submitted the application form, you’ll need to wait for approval from the prison. This can take several days or even weeks, so it’s important to plan ahead.

Step 4: Book the visit

Once your application has been approved, you can book the visit. You’ll usually need to provide the prisoner’s details again, as well as your own details and the details of any other visitors.

Step 5: Attend the visit

On the day of the visit, you’ll need to bring a valid form of ID, such as a passport or driving licence. You’ll also need to follow any rules and regulations set by the prison, such as dress code and prohibited items.

Including children on visits

If you’re planning to bring children on a prison visit, it’s important to know that there may be additional rules and regulations. Some prisons have age limits for visitors, while others require children to be accompanied by an adult.

You may also need to provide additional information about the children, such as their full names and dates of birth, when booking the visit. It’s important to check with the prison beforehand to make sure you have all the necessary information.

Please note, all UK prisons have different rules when it comes to visitations, so the above helpful hints and tips may not always be relevant to every UK prison. To find out more, visit the prison information page for the prison your loved one is located in for further information.

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Hmp swansea information.

• Inside Time Reports
• 13th December 2014
• Male Cat. B , Prison Visit , Wales

Prison information

Address: HMP Swansea, 200 Oystermouth Road, Swansea SA1 3SR Switchboard: Switchboard: 01792 485 300 Managed by: HMPPS Region: Wales Category:  Male Cat. C Link to: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/swansea-prison

Description

Swansea Prison is a men’s prison in the centre of Swansea, Wales.

Visit Booking: On-line Use this online service to book a social visit to a prisoner in England or Wales you need the:

• prisoner number
• prisoner’s date of birth
• dates of birth for all visitors coming with you

The prisoner must add you to their visitor list before you can book a visit.

You’ll get an email confirming your visit. It takes 1 to 3 days.

ID: Every visit

Acceptable forms of ID

Search reports

IMB Reports

Prison Inspectorates Reports

Probation Service Reports

Prisons and Probations Ombudsman

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If you have any information that you would like to be included or see anything that needs updating, contact Gary Bultitude at  [email protected]

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How to Book a Prison Visit Online

Scheduling an in-person visit with an incarcerated loved one is important for maintaining connections. Many corrections departments now allow online prison visit reservations to improve convenience and efficiency. This article outlines the typical process for booking online prison visits.

Check Visitation Eligibility Requirements

Before scheduling visits, confirm eligibility with the facility’s policies:

• Age minimums – Adult visitors usually required.
• Visitor approval – Visitors must be on inmate’s approved list.
• ID/documentation – Valid photo ID often required.
• Allowed items – Review dress code and authorized items.
• Health requirements – Some facilities require COVID vaccination proof.

Ensure you meet all criteria to avoid wasted trips or denied entry.

Create a Visitor Account on the Facility’s Website

Most prisons with online scheduling require creating a visitor account:

• Enter your personal details like name, address, email, phone number.
• Create a username and password for the visitor account.
• Provide your ID number and type (driver’s license, passport, etc).
• Electronically sign any waivers or terms required.

This information links you to the inmate and confirms identity upon arrival.

Schedule Visit Date and Time

With an approved visitor account, you can view visitation calendars and schedule dates/times:

• Select day(s) – Weekends and holidays are busiest.
• Choose time slot(s) – Typical windows are 1-2 hours long.
• Check-in 15-30 minutes prior – To clear security screening.
• Bring printed or digital confirmation – Shows your scheduled slot.

Visits are usually first-come, first-served for available times. Book well in advance for best selection.

Understand Cancellation and No Show Policies

Review policies if you must cancel or miss scheduled visits:

• Timeframe – Cancel at least 24-48 hours in advance when possible.
• Allowed frequency – Too many cancellations or no shows may restrict future visits.
• Notifications – Call the visitation hotline as soon as possible.
• Exceptions – Illness or family emergencies may qualify for waivers.

Follow proper procedures to avoid penalties like temporary visit suspensions.

Arrive Prepared on Visitation Day

Give yourself extra time and arrive prepared:

• Dress appropriately – Follow dress code to get cleared for entry.
• Limited belongings – Carry only approved items needed for children.
• Check in at gate – Provide printed or digital confirmation and ID.
• Clear security – Successfully pass through metal detectors and searches.
• Confirm visitation rules – Keep physical contact limited if prohibited.
• Enjoy visit! – Make the most of this valued time together.

Proper planning ensures visitation goes smoothly.

Online scheduling systems are making arranging prison visits easier and more efficient. Visitors can quickly check availability and reserve slots after creating an approved account. Following facility policies ensures a smooth visitation process. While in-person time is limited, it remains invaluable for maintaining inmate connections and support systems.

FAQs About Booking Online Prison Visits

How far in advance can visits be booked.

Most facilities allow booking 1-4 weeks in advance. Holidays and weekends fill up quickly.

Can visitors schedule multiple back-to-back time slots?

Usually not – facilities limit visits to 1-2 hour sessions with buffer times in between.

Is there an age limit or requirement for minor visitor approval?

Yes, approval rules vary but most prisons prohibit visitors under 18 years old.

Can online visit reservations be made on a mobile device?

Some systems only allow scheduling on the desktop website. But mobile-friendly platforms are becoming more common.

What if a visitor’s plans change after booking?

Notify the prison as soon as possible if you cannot make the booked time. Schedule changes are limited.

How do waiting lists work if times are fully booked?

Waiting lists prioritize visitors by order and frequency since last visit. Openings from cancellations are first-come, first-served.

What happens if a visitor is late for check-in?

You may forfeit that day’s visit. Arrive well before the scheduled window to ensure entry.

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Staying in touch with someone in prison

Visiting someone in prison.

You can make an online request to visit someone in prison in most cases.

You can only visit a prisoner if they’ve added you to their visitor list. The prison will contact you once you’re on this list.

Get help with the cost of visiting someone

You might be able to get help paying for a prison visit , for example travel costs, if you’re receiving certain benefits.

How often you can visit someone in prison

A convicted prisoner is usually allowed at least two 1-hour visits every 4 weeks.

A prisoner on remand (waiting for their trial) is allowed three 1-hour visits a week.

You can find out more about the exact rules on visits on the prison information page of the prison you’re visiting.

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Swansea Prison

Tel: 01792 485300  –  200 Oystermouth Road Swansea West Glamorgan SA1 3SR

HMP Swansea, which is often called Cox’s Farm by locals (after an ex-governor), is a category B / C local prison, which has a capacity of 445. It first opened in 1861, when it held both men and women inmates, until 1922 when it became male only. These days, it holds both adult and young adult men, and has a capacity of 445. If you’d like to visit HMP Swansea, please refer to the map on this page for details on how to get there.

Tel: 01792 485300

Operational capacity: 445

200 Oystermouth Road Swansea West Glamorgan SA1 3SR

Prison Phone have been saving inmates at HMP Swansea money on their calls from the prison to any UK mobile phone since 2013.

We do this by allocating a dedicated and secure local number to your mobile phone, this means when the inmate at Swansea prison calls the new local number we have provided they will be charged at just the local landline rate (around 10p per minute) rather than the standard mobile rate (which is around 40p per minute).

This in turn helps to stretch the inmates PINS phone credit further and reduces the amount you need to send in for them to top up!

Send me Swansea prison details via FREE SMS

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Here’s some facts about Swansea Prison

HMP Swansea, often called Cox’s Farm by locals after a former governor, is a category B / C men’s prison in Swansea, West Glamorgan. Opened in 1861, and holding both male and female inmates until 1922, the prison has capacity to hold 445 male inmates.

A wing holds 178 inmates. B wing , the first night and induction unit, holds 53. C wing holds 42 inmates. D and F wing hold 166, and E wing, the segregation unit, can hold 5 men.

Three offenders gained access to the roof of the building after a smoking ban in April 2016. They were first spotted at 09:50, and descended seven hours later at 17:00. Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service were at the scene with specialist negotiators.

To view the latest HMIP inspection report, click here .

Visiting hours are 13:45 – 15:15 Mon-Tue, 09:30 – 10:45, 13:45 – 14:45, & 15:15 – 16:45 Wed-Fri, and 13:45 – 14:45 & 15:15 – 16:15 Sat-Sun.

In 2002, a report revealed that the prison was the most overcrowded in Wales. This is a problem that still continues to this day.

Inmates in HMP Swansea have been training as Samaritans and Listeners in the jail.

HMP Swansea has an intensive prisoner support unit, designed to help ‘poor copers’, such as self-harmers or those with mental health problems.

Prison Phone offers phone tariffs that reduce the costs of calls from this prison by up to 75%! This enables prisoners to get the support and love that they are missing from home, while reducing costs for the inmate. Find out more below.

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Book a visit to prison

You will need to book a visit if you want to see someone in prison. You can book online to arrange an in person visit or a virtual visit with a prisoner or you can telephone the prison Visits Booking Office.

If you haven't visited a prison before you will need to phone to book your visit. You will be provided with your unique visitor identification number. Once  you have this you can start to book online.

Booking online

To book online for an in person visit or a virtual visit you will need:  

• to have previously booked a visit
• the visit reference number for the prisoner
• the prisoner's number
• your unique visitor identification number
• your date of birth
• your e-mail address and contact number
• the unique visitor identification number and dates of birth for all additional visitors (not needed for a virtual visit)

If you do not have these details, you should phone the relevant booking office.

Booking by telephone

To book a visit by telephone you will need:

• the visit reference number for the prisoner 
• the unique visitor identification number and dates of birth for all additional visitors

If you don't have a unique visitor identification number, you can get one from the booking office which you can use for future visits.

If the person you are visiting has just arrived in prison you will need to ring the booking office and they can arrange a visit.

Virtual visits

A virtual visit can last up to 20 minutes. The visitor can use a personal computer, mobile device or smartphone to have this meeting with the prisoner.

All virtual visits are supervised, if NIPS become aware of any behaviour, language or actions which are considered inappropriate, this will result in the visit ending early and possible removal of the facility in the future.

• Guide to arranging an online visit
• Privacy notice  explaining your rights to privacy when you arrange an online visit

Registering for visits

All visitors need to be registered in the prison they are visiting. When you arrive at Visits Reception you need to be photographed, have a scan taken of your finger and you should bring identification.

• more information about registering for visits

Bringing proof of identification to prison

When you first visit someone in prison, you will need to be registered on the prison system as a visitor. You will need to bring proof of identification with you when you are being registered.

• more information about the types of identification needed

Useful links

• Visiting someone in prison

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Inside Look: Experiences and Conditions at Swansea Prison

Welcome to our in-depth look at Swansea Prison . We aim to shed light on the often misunderstood world of prison life, focusing specifically on Swansea Prison, one of the many penitentiary establishments in the UK.

Located in South Wales, Swansea Prison is a category-B local and remand prison housing male inmates. Let’s take a closer look at the day-to-day experiences and living conditions here.

Living Conditions

The standard of living in Swansea Prison, like most prisons in the UK, is intended to be safe, secure, and humane. However, some challenges are reportedly faced by inmates.

• Accommodation: Inmates typically share cells, which consist of a bunk bed, a basic toilet, and a washbasin. Space is tight and privacy can be an issue.
• Food: Swansea Prison, similar to other UK prisons, provides three meals a day. The inmates have the opportunity to engage in cooking as part of their vocational training program.
• Sanitation: While the prison management aims to maintain cleanliness, the reality can sometimes be different, as maintaining sanitation standards in a closed living environment is continuously challenging.

Programs and opportunities

There are provisions in place for both education and employment to help rehabilitate inmates and prepare them for life post-incarceration.

• Education: Swansea offers a range of educational pursuits including basic literacy and numeracy, vocational courses, and even further education opportunities.
• Employment: There are work opportunities inside the prison, such as kitchen work, cleaning, gardening, and laundry. This provides inmates with a routine, skill development, and a small wage.

Visitations and Family Contact

Contact with friends and families plays a vital role for the emotional wellbeing of prisoners and Swansea Prison facilitates this with provisions for visitations and other contact methods.

• Visitation: Friends and family can visit inmates in Swansea Prison, but visits must be booked in advance. Restrictions are in place regarding the number of visits per week, but allowances can be made in special circumstances.
• Mail and Phone calls: Inmates can receive mail and limited outgoing phone calls. In addition to this, a new scheme allows prisoners to receive pre-recorded video messages from family and friends, boosting morale and maintaining relationships.

Prison Staff and Safety

The safety of the inmates and prison staff is paramount. Swansea Prison employs a dedicated team of prison officers to maintain order and ensure safety within the premises.

• Protection: The prison officers are responsible for maintaining order within the prison, responding swiftly to any signs of distress or violence.
• Fair treatment: All prisoners should be treated with fairness, dignity, and respect. Any complaints or grievances can be raised with the prison officers or through the internal prison complaints system.

Living in Swansea Prison or any prison can be challenging for inmates, but the staff aim to create an environment that is safe, secure, and humane. Various opportunities are provided to help improve the inmates’ lives and prepare them for their eventual release back into society.

Remember, if you need assistance, support, or advice about prison life in Swansea or elsewhere in UK, there is help available. From prisoners’ rights to connecting with support networks, don’t be afraid to reach out for the guidance you need.

Swansea Prison offers an insight into the reality of life inside a UK prison. While it is undoubtedly tough, support and opportunities are on offer to help prisoners turn their lives around. The prison staff strive to maintain a safe, secure environment and aim to treat all prisoners with respect and dignity.

Prison life is far from easy – but with the right support and guidance, it’s possible for those inside to make positive changes and look forward to a better future on release.

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Is it cheaper to call a landline from prison.

Swansea prison: the hidden suffering on our doorstep

The university experience is often described as existing within a ‘bubble’, flush with responsibilities and pressures which may well shape our lives for years to come. Our whole world shrinks down to the campus on which we work, the homes in which we rest, and the routine of day-to-day student life. Our University begins to feel like an independent society, with its own unique structure of groups and institutions.   

Sometimes, it’s easy to forget that we belong to the world beyond, a world to which we ought to lend our attention.  

It is no secret that Swansea faces huge obstacles. The city is not immune to the poverty which has sunk its claws into much of the rest of Wales. The 2014 Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation identified 12% of Swansea’s local areas as falling within the top 10% of those most deprived in Wales. Gross value added (basically a measure of the value of goods and services produced in an area) per person in Swansea is 28.3% below the UK average. At least 1 in 6 children live in extreme poverty and 6,100 adults living in Swansea are unemployed. Just across the waters of Swansea Bay stand the steelworks of Port Talbot – the symbol of an industry so much in crisis that, last year, workers took a cut to their pensions in order to keep it open.   

These problems have been ruminated over by citizens, politicians, and council representatives for years. Now, however, awareness of an old injustice is just coming to light.   

Swansea prison was built between 1845 and 1861, and today functions as a Category B/C men’s prison located on the side of Oystermouth Road in the Sandfields area. Most of us will have passed it on our way into the city centre: a block of Victorian stone punctuated by a reddish arched door, the respective flags of the UK, Wales, and HM Prison Service flapping proudly behind its railings.   

In the August of 2017, the watchdog HM Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) carried out an unannounced inspection of Swansea prison. Details of its conditions have emerged since the publication of the report in the January of this year.  

The findings are shocking. In the past six years, eight inmates have taken their own lives – all within the first week of their arrival at the prison. In the six months prior to the investigation there were 134 reported instances of self-harm amongst prisoners.   

It was also noted that violence between inmates had risen since the previous inspection in 2014, and the city-centre location of the prison itself presented a higher risk of contraband – in particular, drugs – being thrown over walls to inmates. The report also noted that 17% of inmates had become addicted to drugs after the start of their sentences in the prison, and the provision of clean bedding and clothing was described as ‘unacceptably poor’. The report added that the prison had a ‘complacent and inexcusable’ attitude towards the safety of the most vulnerable prisoners in its care.  

The report further detailed how ‘prisoners usually had to eat their meals next to their toilets, which did not always have seats or lids’, due to overcrowding and a shortage of staff.  

Peter Clarke, Chief Inspector of Prisons called the report ‘very disappointing’.  

‘Between our last inspection in 2014 and when we went back in the middle of last year there have been four further self-inflicted deaths – all in similar circumstances, all in the early days of the individual’s imprisonment at Swansea jail,’ Mr Clarke said.  

‘Quite simply, not enough has been done to understand the sort of problems they may have been facing and to prevent them inflicting harm and death upon themselves.’  

He added that rates of self-harm described in the report were ‘clearly unacceptable’, and pointed out that, of 63 recommendations made to the prison following the 2014 inspection, only eight had been put into action.   

‘As it stands at the moment, our conclusion is that it’s not fit for purpose in that its standards are not acceptable.’  

  It is not the first time that Swansea prison has come under fire for the living conditions which its inmates face. In the November of last year, Alun Davies of the Welsh mental health charity Hafal – who closely works with members of the prison and criminal justice systems – spoke to BBC Wales’  Newyddion 9  of the ‘pressure cooker’ conditions facing inmates.   

‘The stories I hear from different sources who have been in [Swansea] prison is that very often on the weekend prisoners are locked up from Friday afternoon to Monday morning through lack of staff.’  

Chief executive of the Howard League, Frances Crook, described the situation at the prison as “really disgusting”.  

‘It’s smelly, people can’t get showers, they’ve got nothing to do, they get very little food,’ she said.  

‘Of course, there’s going to be as a result of that deteriorating mental health, there’s going to be drugs and violence and assaults, and it puts the staff at serious risk.’  

  Of course, it is worth noting that these issues are not unique to HMP Swansea. Indeed, the Prison Governors Association said that the ‘issues highlighted in the Swansea report are fairly systemic across the prison system.’  

In particular, overcrowding and the poor level of mental health and personal safety this enables are symptoms of the prison system throughout the country.   

However, the problem has arguably come to a head. Swansea prison was designed to hold a capacity of 268 prisoners – at the time of this report it houses 438. As such, it is the third most overcrowded prison in all of England and Wales.   

Why should students care?  

Wherever we are from, we have chosen to make Swansea our home for three, four, perhaps many more years. We belong to the city and it belongs to us in the give-and-take relationship of any human being with their environment. The prison nestles itself comfortably between our coffee shops, our takeaways, our streets, and our homes. It is a visible presence right on our doorstep, and yet the degradations within its walls are hidden to us.   

Just as this city belongs to us, these degradations do. As University students we have been granted privileges that many will never know, and we have a responsibility to employ these to help those who, for structural reasons, have found themselves relegated to different circumstances.  

Let us summon up some of that classic student radicalism, and raise our voices against this product of the prison system which has allowed such human degradation to fester right in the heart of our city.  

by Polly Manning

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Prisons · Mid-Glamorgan

Overcrowding.

Certified Normal Accommodation (CNA): 265

Population: 406

Swansea is a local prison holding adult and young adult males. It is a Category B/C Prison. It is one of the most overcrowded prisons in England and Wales.

Read Swansea’s latest inspection report here.

About this information

Certified Normal Accommodation (CNA) is the prison service’s own measure of how many prisoners can be held in decent and safe accommodation. Any occupancy above CNA means that the prison in question is overcrowded.

Prisons in England and Wales fall into four separate security categories. Some prisons can operate under more than one category.

Category A : Category A prisons are high security prisons, holding those individuals considered the most threatening to the public should they escape. Category A prisons should not be overcrowded, given the high levels of security required.

Category B: Category B prisons, or local prisons, are the largest category of prison. They tend to hold un-sentenced prisoners, prisoners on remand awaiting trial, short-sentenced prisoners or those newly sentenced and awaiting transfer to another prison category. Category B prisons tend to be the most overcrowded, with a constantly churning population.

Category C: Category C prisons are sometimes called ‘training prisons’. They are meant to offer education and training to prisoners and the vast majority of prisoners on longer sentences will spend time in Category C accommodation. Historically not overcrowded, we now see more and more Category C prisons running overcrowded regimes.

Category D: Category D prisons offer open conditions and house those who can be reasonably trusted not to try to escape. Prisoners in Category D prisons will be given Release On Temporary Licence (ROTL) to work in the community or go on home leave, usually returning to the prison in the early evening. The majority of Category D prisoners will be towards the end of their sentence, and their period in open conditions is preparing them for their eventual release. Category D prisons tend not to be overcrowded.

Tagged with

• inspection reports
• overcrowding
• prison watch

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