Packing a Prison Bag: What to Take to Court when custody is possible or likely.

By A Safer Lives Client

Packing a bag for court — just in case you are sent to prison — is something no one ever wants to do. However, putting the right things in your bag will make the first few days and weeks a bit easier if you do find yourself in prison and you’ll be glad you took the time to think ahead.

My own experience was that some of the guidance on official or advisory websites didn’t always match what happened in practice. Different prisons may apply rules differently, and some are more flexible than others, but the list below is based on my own experience and may help you decide what to pack.

Clothes to Pack

Keep everything simple, basic and practical. I would recommend inexpensive, plain items (for example, “Primark-type” quality) rather than anything branded or eye-catching.

· Boxer shorts (up to 6 pairs)

· Socks (up to 6 pairs)

· T-shirts, including 1–2 gym tops (up to 6 in total; no slogans, offensive language or football shirts)

· A warm jumper or sweatshirt (plain, no logo, and not dark colours like black or navy)

· Flip-flops (choose a decent, thick-soled pair — you’ll use them a lot)

· Trainers (not expensive, but suitable for the gym and daily wear)

· A towel, ideally a large or beach-style towel

· 1–2 pairs of tracksuit bottoms or leisure trousers

· 1 pair of gym shorts

Other Useful Items

· A cheap digital watch (no smart features or Wi-Fi)

· Cash — around £50 is usually enough if someone can send money later; more if this may be difficult. After one to two weeks you will be able to spend up to £20 per week on phone credit, toiletries, basic food and other essentials.

Most prisons will not allow paper items or electronics on arrival. This means books, notebooks, photos, stamps, radios and CD players are usually taken away, so it’s best not to pack them.

It can be helpful to bring a small paper list of important phone numbers. Sometimes reception staff will copy these and return them on new paper. Try to memorise at least one key number so that you can fill in the approval form needed to make phone calls.

The prison will provide basics such as clothing, toiletries and toothbrushes. Books are usually available on the wing, and you’ll normally be able to visit the library weekly. Friends or family can also order books for you from approved suppliers.

In the first few weeks you may move around, so packing only the essentials makes things easier. You can buy additional items later, once you’re more settled.

To read the blog post, Early Days in Prison - Some Practical Insights from a Former Prisoner, click here.

If you have already been in court and would like a one off session with Safer Lives to answer your questions about PSRs and what else to expect, find out more here. To contact Safer Lives, email info@saferlives.com call 0800 0435987 or click here.