Practical Support For Prisoners

'A movement that does not support its prisoners is moving nowhere.'

As the radical ecology movement grows in size, militancy and influence more and more people will find themselves in prison, whether it be on remand awaiting trial, or having been convicted of an offence. It is crucial that these people are supported, as aside from the solidarity and support that this will show them personally, supporting prisoners can help us all break down the lies and myths that surround prison, creating fear and obedience in us all. The following are some practical suggestions for what can be done to support people in prison.

Visiting Prisoners

Prisoners that are being held on Remand (that is prisoners who have not yet been tried) are normally entitled to a visit of at least fifteen minutes every day except Sunday, although some prisons differ slightly from this. Remand prisoners can normally have up to three visitors every day, but they do all have to visit at the same time. If a prisoner does not have a visiting rota try to let them know a week or so in advance that you are coming so they can inform you if somebody else is already coming that day. Prisoners that have been convicted of an offence are entitled to one visit every two weeks if they are under twenty one and one visit every week if they are over twenty one, although many prisons only actually allow one visit every two weeks whatever age you are. Prisoners have to send out a Visiting Order to the people that they want to visit them. Visits are normally a minimum of thirty minutes and are often one or two hours.

Writing To Prisoners

Besides visiting prisoners, writing to them is the most important thing that you can do to help break this isolation so they do not feel forgotten. If you cannot think of much to write to them send them a card wishing them well - it is the fact that you have actually written that matters. If you know a prisoner personally it is especially important to write as contact from old friends is obviously valued. However this does not mean that if you are a stranger to the prisoner they won’t appreciate your letter, far from it. Remember that all letters are opened, read and censored so do not write anything that could jeopardise future action or somebody’s freedom. Don’t expect a reply to your letter as prisoners are restricted to the number of letters that they can write every week. Sometimes prisons restrict the number of letters that a prisoner can receive, but this is less likely to happen if the letters are not too long. Generally it is best not to write more than two sides of A4 for every letter. Most prisoners do not allow letters that do not bear a senders address on them. It is possible to use a false address, but remember that if the prisoner does reply it needs to be an address that you can collect post from. Some prisons also refuse to allow a PO Box number as a return address, so it is best to check this with the prison first.

Books

Some prisons will accept books handed in, or sent in by a friend. Most prisons demand that the books are new and sent direct from the bookshop or publishers, however this varies from prison to prison so check first. Some community and radical bookshops will agree to send on books not bought there, so if you have a book that will pass as new it is worth asking them if they will send it for you. It is important that it is clear to the prison that the books have come direct, so ask the bookshop to enclose some headed notepaper or stamp the parcel with their address.

Toiletries And Food

Most prisons no longer allow toiletries to be supplied from outside. Normally the prisoner will be able to buy them from the prison canteen or in some cases prisons allow them to be ordered from selected shops outside. Prisoners, both remand and convicted, are no longer allowed to have food sent in from outside and food sent in is normally destroyed or eaten by prison officers.

Money

Some prisons allow money to be handed in on visits, otherwise money can be sent in. It is not a good idea to send cash as this may go missing. Postal orders and cheques are acceptable and should be made payable to the prisoner. They will then have to sign the back of the PO or cheque so they will know of any money received. The prisoner can then use the money to buy food, tobacco, toiletries etc.. It is worth noting that in many prisons ten pounds is the maximum that can be send in. Again check this first.

Newspapers

Most prisons have a newsagents nearby which supplies newspapers to prisoners. The prison will tell you where it is. Newspapers and magazines for prisoners will have to be ordered and paid for at the shop. The prison will also tell you how many papers and magazines each prisoner is allowed. Alternative magazines have to be sent direct from a bookshop or the organisation that produces it.

Writing Paper

Remand prisoners are normally allowed to use writing paper, envelopes and stamps sent into them. The writing paper should not be wire bound. Generally convicted prisoners are not allowed to use any writing paper other than that supplied by the prison, but again it is best to check with the prison first. They are usually not able to use stamps or SAE’s sent in from the outside but if they receive any they will be converted into cash and put into the prisoners bank account.

Cassettes And Radios

Prisoners are allowed a radio with medium and long wave bands only. Some prisons demand that an earplug be supplied as well. Cassette players are often allowed with earphones but it must have no recording facility. Prisoners can have pre-recorded tapes but in many prisons they must be sent in direct from a shop. Both radios and cassette players must be battery powered.

Whatever you are thinking of sending to a prisoner, find out first what the prisoner wants as often there is a limit on what can be received. Also, there is such a wide variation between what different prisons allow, so always ring the prison first and check as to what they will accept.

'They are in there for us - we are out here for them'

Useful Contacts

Animal Liberation Front Supporters Group, BM Box 1160, London WC1N 3XX. Has access to a comprehensive list of people in prison for animal liberation activities.

Broken Bars, Box 25, 82 Colston Street, Bristol, BS1 5BB. The best magazine that covers political prisoners worldwide. Send £1.50 including postage for the latest issue.

Earth Liberation Prisoners, c/o Mid Somerset Earth First! PO Box 23, 5 High Street, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 9PU. Maintains a list of prisoners inside for sabotage and similar activities. Publishes an irregular newsletter with this information and more.

Haven Distribution, BM Box Haven, London WC1N 3XX. Excellent free books to prisoners distribution service. Donations to help this continue are always much needed.

London Anarchist Black Cross, c/o 121 Railton Road, London, SE24 OLR. Aims at practical solidarity with prisoners. They support anarchist and revolutionary prisoners and those incarcerated for their beliefs. As well as this they support people framed by the police and prisoners resisting and organising inside. Has local groups all over the country - send an SAE for details of the nearest to you. Produces ‘Taking Liberties’ newspaper which covers all prison related issues. Send a donation for a copy.

Peace Prisoner Support, c/o 16 Sholesbrook Avenue, Leeds, LS7 3HB. Information distribution and news on people imprisoned for their anti-military and peace activities.

Respect And Thanks To The Anarchist Black Cross From Whose Leaflet This Article Was Adapted From.