How jails run including rules, rights, privileges and punishments

For the vast majority of the population what goes on behind the walls of a prison is unknown – few will have any personal or family experience of life inside. But for more than 87,000 people life in prison is their daily reality. And the number of inmates is projected to hit 100,000 by the end of the decade.

It currently costs almost £54,000 a year to keep someone in prison. Many of the rules which govern how prisons in England and Wales are run are set out in a key piece of legislation called Prison Rules 1999 though each governor may also set local rules tailored to his or her prison. This is what life is like for inmates.

When someone first arrives in prison they are interviewed. Prison rules and procedures are explained to them and their mental and physical health needs are assessed including issues such as problems with alcohol or drugs. A new inmate's religion, if they have one, will also be recorded.

Each new inmate is given a prisoner number and any possessions they have on them are recorded and put into storage to be returned upon their release. Each prisoner is given a security category based on the risk the are deemed to pose of causing harm to other prisoners and to staff and on how likely they are to try to escape. Inmates who follow prison rules can earn privileges such as more visits from family or friends, being allowed to spend more money each week, or having a television in their cell.

The privileges which an inmate can earn vary from prison to prison. Prisoners have rights including protection from bullying and racial harassment, being able to get in contact with a solicitor, and access to healthcare including support for any mental health condition. Inmates can practice their religious faith while inside with the support of the prison chaplaincy team.

The makeup of the team will vary from prison to prison but should "reflect the faith make up of the prison population". Religious texts or holy books are allowed and each prison has to set aside a space for inmates to worship. All inmates should be able to get access to an outdoor space for at least 30 minutes every day.

A prisoner who breaks prison rules is normally punished and punishments can include being kept in their cell for up to 21 days, the removal of privileges, or being given extra jail time on top of the original sentence up to a maximum of 42 days. Healthcare is free but has to be approved by a prison doctor or member of the healthcare team. Most problems are dealt with in the prison but if that is not possible a specialist can visit the prison or arrangements can be made for treatment in a hospital.

The prison healthcare team can ask the prisoner's GP for their records but only if the prisoner agrees to it. A prisoner can refuse treatment however the healthcare team may choose to give treatment if the prisoner is not capable of making decisions themselves due to mental health reasons. A prisoner can be moved to a secure psychiatric hospital for their own safety but only certain conditions under the Mental Health Act are met.

Once the prisoner gets better they are returned to prison. Prisoners can get specialist support for issues like drug or alcohol problems or if they have a disability or have learning difficulties. Staff are trained to spot vulnerable prisoners at risk of bullying, suicide, or self-harm and a case manager can be appointed to assist them.

Most prisons also have listener schemes that offer emotional support in confidence – normally from fellow prisoners. Some prisons also have a support groups for inmates who are ex-military. Courses are normally available to help prisoners develop skills such as numeracy and literacy, the use of computers, or art.

Prisons usually offer a range of vocational courses such as woodworking, plumbing, hair dressing, or painting and decorating. Most courses lead to recognised qualifications including GCS

Es and NVQs and in some prisons distance learning with bodies such as the Open University is possible. Inmates are expected to work while carrying out their sentence, for example making furniture in a prison workshop. The work is normally paid – in 2020 the pay was set at £4 per week.

Money earned through work can be spent in the prison canteen or on phone calls. Prisoners can also work around the prison itself – for example in the kitchen or the laundry or cleaning the wings. Inmates being held on remand awaiting trial do not have to work but can choose to do so.

An inmate deemed low-risk may be allowed to work in the community. There are no women's prisons in Wales – the nearest is HMP Eastwood Park in Gloucestershire. Women who give birth in prison can keep their baby for the first 18 months in a mother and baby unit and a prisoner with a child under 18 months old can apply to bring their child to prison with them.

New inmates can apply for a place in a mother and baby unit but the decision is made by an admissions board which will decide if it's in the best interests of the child. Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here . We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners.

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