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Taking Gifts and Other Items into Prisons

Every prison has different local rules about what gifts or other items can be brought in to a prison for a prisoner. The security level of the prison, the status of the prisoner and the nature of the item will impact on what is allowed to be given to a prisoner. Contact the relevant prison directly for further information about this process.

No item or substance may be given directly to a prisoner by a visitor or vice versa without the approval of a prison officer.

Prisons vary in the amount and type of property that prisoners are allowed to have.

If approval has been allowed for property to be given to a prisoner, it can be dropped off in the front foyer of the relevant prison between 9am and 4pm on any day of the week. Prison staff will forward the item to the prisoner.

Property may also be mailed to prisoners under certain circumstances. Contact the relevant prison prior to mailing the item to ensure that it will be allowed.  

What you cannot bring

Contraband is anything introduced or found in a prison that is not permitted. Prohibited items vary depending on whether the prison is maximum, medium or minimum security.

The following items are prohibited in all prisons. This is not a comprehensive list - it is best to phone the prison directly to ask whether you can bring in property for the prisoner.   

Contraband items include:

• drugs and drug-related items/paraphernalia
• alcohol
• communications devices
• explosives
• firearms
• flammable or corrosive liquids