How to Locate Someone in a UK Prison

If you're trying to find out if someone is currently in custody in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland, this guide will walk you through the process clearly and professionally.

📄 What You’ll Need

• Full legal name of the person
• Date of birth (or approximate age)
• Your relationship to them
• Your reason for the enquiry

📍 Understanding the UK Prison System

The UK has separate prison authorities:

• England & Wales: HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS)
• Scotland: Scottish Prison Service (SPS)
• Northern Ireland: Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS)

📨 Step 1: England & Wales – Use the Prisoner Location Service

If you think the person is in custody in England or Wales, you can contact the Prisoner Location Service.

What to include in your request:

• Your full name and address
• The prisoner’s full name and date of birth (if known)
• Your reason for requesting the information
• Your relationship to the prisoner

Email: prisoner.location.service@justice.gov.uk
More Info: gov.uk/find-prisoner

🏴 Scotland – Contact the Scottish Prison Service

There is no public database for prisoners in Scotland. You can:

• Contact the specific prison if known
• Call the Scottish Prison Service Headquarters for assistance

Phone: 0131 330 3500
Website: www.sps.gov.uk

🍀 Northern Ireland – Contact NIPS

For prisoners in Northern Ireland:

Phone: 028 9052 3666
Website: justice-ni.gov.uk

❗ Important Notes

• Prisoners must give consent before their location can be shared
• There is no public search tool in the UK
• Delays can occur if a prisoner has been recently transferred