Maybe we all missed the memo?
In almost a decade of supporting loved ones, visiting prisons and supporting my ex partner I have never heard of or seen any guidance or advice about what is appropriate content on social media. HMPPS are committed to ensuring that contraband items do not make their way, illegally, into prison estates. They are also committed to ensuring the safety of inmates and visitors, at all times. In order to carry out these measures there are members of social media groups who are employed to monitor discussion and if you are placed under any suspicion, every aspect of your social media presence will come under scrutiny. In recent times we have observed a rise in posts and comments openly discussing the relative ease in which items, such as mobile phones, can be smuggled into jails. The consequences if you are caught are not worth the risk.
It goes without saying that posting images, videos or comments concerning any criminality inside prisons is absolutely not acceptable. These groups are made up of very vulnerable people who could potentially be encouraged to break the law and of course common sense should prevail, but the opportunity to post videos, images and openly discuss mobile phone usage inside prisons is on the increase largely due to the anonymity that has been granted on facebook. There are no rules or regulations that we can find which prohibit discussion about yours or loved one’s experiences but we are aware of a number of inmates that have faced further punishments recently due to various social media posts, most of which involved contraband items .
“Section 40D(3A) Prison Act 1952 provides that it is an offence within a prison for anyone to possess, without authorisation, devices capable of transmitting or receiving images, sounds or information by electronic communications.”
We encourage healthy discussion and debate about all aspects of a journey through the CJS and it is important to understand that discussing or promoting such activities can have legal consequences. The possession of a mobile phone by an inmate in a prison is illegal and can result in serious consequences for both the inmate and those who facilitate the crime.
Inmate Caught with a Mobile Phone:
● In the UK, if an inmate is caught with a mobile phone in a prison, they may face disciplinary actions within the prison itself, such as loss of privileges, confinement, or segregation.
● They could also face criminal charges, as possession of a mobile phone in prison is a criminal offence.
● The maximum penalty on conviction for possession of a mobile phone is two years' imprisonment or a fine or both.
Legal Consequences for Those Facilitating the Act:
● Individuals who assist in smuggling mobile phones or other contraband into prisons may also face legal consequences. This can include charges of aiding and abetting in the commission of a crime. You could face up to 2 years in prison, a fine or both.