Visits

Visits may be supervised by means of technical monitoring and by having an official of the Prison and Probation Service present. Technical monitoring means the viewing and recording of the image by means of technical devices. An official of the Prison and Probation Service may also listen to the conversation if it is necessary to prevent any wrongdoing.

­A visit may be terminated if this is necessary in order to prevent an offence or to maintain prison order or prison safety and security.

The identity of the person coming to visit you will be checked. Visitors have to prove their identity with a valid ID. If the visitors are unable to prove their identity, the visit may be denied or arranged under supervision.

­All visitors go through a security check. This means that people entering the prison or moving in the prison or in its area and the goods in their possession may be inspected. The prison staff may use a metal detector, some other technical device or a trained dog, pat down over the clothes or use some other corresponding manner to carry out the security check. The prison staff may also inspect a vehicle used by a visitor and located in the prison area.

­A visitor, who is under 15 years of age, is not allowed to enter a prison without an escort, unless the presence of an escort is deemed unnecessary considering the stage of development of the child or his or her earlier visits, or for some other corresponding justifiable reason.

­If a visitor has been found to have brought or attempted to bring narcotics or other prohibited substances or objects, the visitor may be issued a prohibition to visit the prison for a maximum of six months. The prohibition may be extended if necessary. However, the prohibition may not be issued to the prisoner’s close relative or legal counsel (advocate or legal-aid counsel) or if the visit may be arranged under supervision without endangering the prison order.

Visits in open prisons

The visiting practices in open prisons vary between the prisons. You can get more detailed information from the prison staff or by reading the prison rules. The same provisions are applied to the arrangement of visits both in open and closed prisons.

Visits may be replaced by a video connection, which means you can use Skype on a shared online workstation meant for prisoners. Video communication via Skype is arranged if, for instance, your family members live in another town or abroad. In an open prison, you have to apply for permission to use Skype according to the practices of the prison.