If you are headed to prison, there is a set protocol of how that goes, based around your needs as a prisoner, your alleged offences, and what stage of the incarceration process you are in.

All prisoners go through reception, assessment and orientation when you arrive at Melbourne Assessment Prison. You will later be transferred to a prison unit that fits the needs of the circumstances and individual.

     Reception to Melbourne Assessment Prison (men) or Dame Phyllis Frost Centre (women)
Once you arrive, you will have your identity confirmed, measurements taken, and be photographed. You must hand over any personal items, including your clothes, to be stored until your release. You will then be strip searched, which means being naked and your body may be searched for hidden items. You will be provided with your prison outfit, able to shower, nominate people for your phone and visitation list, and call one person – the one phone call rule. This may be to family, a friend, or your lawyer.

Visitors are allowed by nominated family, friends and lawyers and all prisoners can send and receive snail mail. Prisoners are allowed some personal items in their cell, with a limited amount of money kept in a personal money account. Each prison has different facilities, so after the assessment phase, you will be guided on those.

All sentenced prisoners are expected to participate in work, and are encouraged to do further education and training programs, and if applicable, rehabilitation programs.

     Assessment
You will be assessed initially in a risk assessment for any special needs you may  have. If you live with a disability, for example, or need an interpreter, you will be referred to the appropriate person. You will have your health assessed by medical staff, including where applicable a mental health assessment by psychiatric staff. You will then be placed in a prison unit.

     Orientation of the prison environment
Your orientation will include important information on your rights, prison rules, routines and procedures, expectations of your behaviour and disciplinary processes. This includes information regarding visitors, mail, phone calls, money and your things, healthcare, complaints, work, education, and staying safe.

     About prisoner placement – where you end up, at least for now
You will be placed in a location that is appropriate for security and your welfare and rehabilitation needs. There are some elements that affect where you will be placed, including your security rating, risk factors, risk of escape, and the length of your sentence. Which programs and processes you require to reduce the risk of reoffending will be examined. If you are a risk to other prisoners or yourself, have drug and/or alcohol issues that need addressing, have physical limitations, have any psychiatric disturbances, these will be taken into account. If you require protection from other prisoners, you may be separated.

     Sentence plans
A sentence plan is made when you arrive in prison to determine your security classification and placement. This determines part of which prison and which section of the prison you land in. Your progress will be monitored as your sentence progresses. The general gist is that it is expected that a prisoner works their way down the security rating during their sentence, with a minimum security rating just prior to being released back into the community. The point is to have you prepared for the challenges of release when the time comes.

You can apply in writing at any time for a change in classification. A committee forwards recommendations.

     Security ratings
When you are assigned a security rating, it determines how you are transported and where you go. This allows those who do not need as much supervision to be less confined where possible. Factors taken into account here are the nature of the offending, escape risk, further offending risks, risks to other prisoners or prison staff, length of your sentence, and any other relevant information.

The four security ratings are: 

• High
• Maximum
• Medium
• Minimum

     Work, education and training in prison
All prisoners under the age of 65 are expected to work unless medically unfit to do so, for at least 60 hours per fortnight. Some exceptions do exist. Anyone on remand has the opportunity to work, but is not required to do so. Pay is at a rate set by the Corrections Commissioner. The type of work available will depend on the prison you are in, and may involve outside-prison tasks. Those with a minimum security rating are permitted to work in the community, with some contracts including reforestation, minimising erosion, and creating green corridors.

Prisoners can do training and education and gain qualifications via local TAFE providers. This might include metal fabrication, making timber products, agriculture or horticulture programs. There may be roles in the kitchen, laundry, cleaning, maintenance and gardening. Prisoners prepare the meals for other prisoners and sometimes other prisons.

There is no internet access, social media, or emails in prison, but every prison has a small library, computer labs and classrooms.

     What else can you do in prison?
You are entitled to fresh air every day for at least an hour per day, however the prison provides you with facilities and activities that promote good behaviour, good morale, and a harmonious environment (though this isn’t always the case). You can work out, play games and participate in activities.

In prison, you have the right to practice any religion of your choice, with support and access to services of a range of religions. If you become ill or have a crisis, you or a family member can request a religious adviser to be present.

     What you are allowed to keep in prison
You have a cell allowance or personal items that cannot be exceeded. If you have items in prison storage, you can request that they be given to a visitor. Credit cards and valuables will be kept in the prison safe. You are not allowed any illegal items, weapons, drugs, or mobile phones. You cannot have R-rated publications or watch anything that exceeds the MA rating. You can wear a religious necklace and a plain, single wedding band without stones.

     Computers
You may be allowed a computer in your cell if you need to prepare for a legal case, require a computer for studies, or have special needs. You can buy a computer, but laptops are banned.

     Pregnancy and childcare
If you are pregnant or the carer of small children, you may apply for the Mothers and Children Program. This encourages the bond between mother and children, particularly with babies and young children. Young children may be able to live in custody with their mother, and pregnant prisoners can receive ante- and postnatal healthcare. Short-term programs are also available.

     Legal support
If you need legal advice while in prison, you are able to call Vanessa Ash, who can visit you in prison or talk via phone to arrange legal support. This may be for an appeal on your case or another matter, including complaints against police or the prison.

Write your own story. Call Vanessa Ash and Associates today.