On arrival at the barrier you should press the intercom and advise the staff member you are there for a visit. Once through, bear to the left and park in the visitor spaces, 10 yards from the barrier. On your right hand side you will see the Link Centre – this is where the visits take place.
Everyone attending the prison for a visit must book in at the Links Centre, at least 10 minutes before the visit session starts. This is to allow sufficient time to process your details prior to the visit. The centre staff will log you in on the system and it’s important this is done first; you can then use the facilities and relax until your visit session starts. If you are early please go into the Link Centre where there are facilities to wait in comfort.
You will require your identification at this stage. You will be allowed to take in a purse or wallet. If you have a baby with you, you can take essentials such as a change of nappy, baby wipes and baby bottle with milk – baby food is permitted. The baby items must be left on the links centre desk in the visit room, but you can access them when you need to.
On entering the main door of the Link Centre, there is a front desk with prison officers staffing it. You will be required to present your identification to the staff. The staff will then advise you were you can wait for the visit to commence. There will be staff in this area to help and offer guidance. From November 2014 we aim to have a Family Contact Officer (FCO) available for advice and support also.
In the waiting area you can deposit money for offenders PPC; at the desk the officers will give you a receipt for this.
Visitors may be subject to a rub down search. At times, there may be the SPS Dog Unit operating at the visits – it’s nothing to worry about and you will be given instructions by the staff. If you have any concerns at all – please talk to a member of staff. Visitors can choose where they would like to sit, and will be made aware 5 minutes prior to the end of the session.