Contacting a prisoner

There are rules about what kind of contact you can have with a prisoner while they are in prison.

You can send letters and emails, but you can’t phone a prisoner—they might be able to phone you.

Letters

There is no limit to the number of letters you may send to or receive from a prisoner. All normal mail is searched for contraband but is not censored unless authorised by the person in charge of the prison.

Mail should only contain letters and approved family photographs. If approved, you may also send items such as reading materials.

Any mail considered a threat to security or safety may be seized and the sender may be charged for mailing illegal items.

Emails

You can also contact a prisoner by email. Learn about emailing a prisoner, including costs associated with this service.

Phone calls

You can’t phone a prisoner, but in emergency situations we may pass a message on to them.

A prisoner can ask to have your phone number put on their approved call list. Centre staff will phone you first to get your permission and, if approved, the prisoner can phone you. Your calls will be recorded.

Search for prison locations and contact details.

Photographs

There are rules about the type of photos a correctional centre will approve. These rules always apply—whether you deliver the photos in person, by post or by email.

Approved photos:

• only show people who are fully clothed (meaning not unclothed, partly clothed, or wearing underwear or swimwear)
• only show a child (or children) that the prisoner has a relationship with—including a cultural relationship. This must be stated by the child’s parent or guardian
• don’t show groups of children at a school, childcare, sporting or other organisation
• don’t show any outlaw motorcycle gang material (e.g. clothing or other items that are associated with gangs).

You must provide a statutory declaration with a child’s photo. Your declaration must state:

• the parent or guardian’s name and street address
• the relationship between the prisoner and the child(ren)
• that there is no court order preventing contact between the child(ren) and prisoner.

Find more information in the Witnessing statutory declarations—prisoner photographs technical bulletin.

If approved, the centre will print the photos you send them in black and white.