Website of the UK government
Please note that this website has a UK government accesskeys system.
Main menu
Page menu
Crime and justice
Prison and probation
What's new?
Watch this video to see how Directgov can help you with court appearances
What the prison service does
A general introduction to the prison service, and information about how prisons work
How sentencing is worked out
Information about how judges decide what sentence to give when somebody is convicted of a crime
Prison procedures and prisoners' rights
Advice about what to expect if you have been convicted of a crime and have to spend time in prison
Community sentencing
Find out what community sentencing is and what it means to your community
Probation
Information about what probation is, and advice about what to expect if you're given probation as part of your sentence
Community Payback
Many convicted criminals are required to work in their communities as part of their sentence. Find out how you can suggest work for them to do
Support for prisoners and their families
Contacts and sources of support for people who have relatives or friends in prison
Visiting people in prison
Find out about prison rules on visiting inmates, and what to do if you want to visit a prisoner
Young offenders
Information about what you can expect if you know somebody under 17 convicted of a crime
Dealing with mentally ill offenders
Information about the help available to people with mental health problems in prison or on probation
Additional links
Local crime and justice
Find out what's being done about crime and anti-social behaviour where you live
