Guide to the inspections: HMI Prisons
A Guide
Establishments are inspected at least once every five years, inspections are split into different catagories.
Some inspections are announced and the prison is informed in advance of the visit. Others are unannounced and the inspection team visits without notifying the establishment in advance. Inspectors have the right to carry out inspections and cannot be refused entry by the establishment.
-
Full inspections
The Inspectorate collects information from many sources, including the people who work there, the people who are imprisoned or detained there, and visitors or others with an interest in the establishment..
-
Full follow-up inspections
Follow-up inspections are unannounced and proportionate to risk. In full follow up inspections inspectors assess progress made and undertake in-depth analysis..
-
Short follow-up inspections
Short follow-up inspections are also unannounced and conducted where the previous full inspection and our intelligence systems suggest that there are comparatively fewer..
