Guidance

Information pack for British nationals arrested or detained in Jamaica

Updated 26 July 2023

Chapter 1: Key points

Overview

If you are a British national, and are arrested or detained in another country, consular staff will do what they can to help you. However, we cannot interfere with the local justice system, get you out of jail, or pay for services such as a lawyer. Information about who we can help, including the circumstances in which we can assist dual nationals, is available at: Support for British nationals abroad. You can also request a paper copy from consular staff.

This information pack aims to give you, and your family and friends, information about the local system in Jamaica and who can help. Consular staff can provide a printed copy to those in prison or in custody. We welcome feedback to help us improve the information we can provide to others. Please see link.

Contacting us

If you are arrested or detained in another country:

• the authorities should ask whether you want them to contact the British embassy, high commission or consulate (and must do so if you want them to)
• if they do not ask, you can make the request yourself. You should do this if you are charged with a serious offence or need any kind of assistance
• friends or family can also contact the local British embassy, high commission or consulate or the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London on +44 (0)20 7008 5000

In some countries, the authorities might notify the British embassy, high commission or consulate even if you do not want anyone to know that you have been arrested. This is because there may be an agreement in place with the British government which requires a mandatory notification to be made.

Who we are

Consular staff work in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in the UK, and in British embassies, high commissions and consulates overseas.

Contact details for the British High Commission in Kingston Jamaica :

British High Commission
PO Box 575
Trafalgar Road
Kingston 10

Tel: +1 876 936 0700 option 2

Email: Kingston.consular@fcdo.gov.uk

You can also contact us by phone 24/7 for help or advice from anywhere in the world by calling the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office on +44 (0)20 7008 5000.

What we can do

The FCDO can offer you impartial and non-judgemental help. When we are notified of your arrest or detention, we will aim to contact you as soon as possible, so that we can assess how we can help you. We then aim to provide assistance according to your individual circumstances and local conditions. Our priority is to provide assistance to those British nationals overseas that need our help the most.

In Jamaica notification by the authorities to the consulate normally takes place [can take up to several days after arrest].

We can also:

• provide a list of local English-speaking lawyers. See also Legal assistance: lawyers and legal aid
• provide general information about the country, detention conditions, and the local legal system (including if legal aid is available)
• provide general information about the local prison or remand system, including visiting arrangements, mail and censorship, privileges, and welfare services
• keep in regular contact with you, either by visiting or by telephone/letter. The frequency of contact will depend on local conditions and your personal circumstances. We aim to make contact with you within 24 hours of the High Commission being notified of your arrest.
• tell the police or prison doctor, with your permission, about any medical or dental problems including medication
• put you, or your family, in touch with a prisoners’ welfare charity called Prisoners Abroad
• in some circumstances we may be able to help take up complaints with the police or prison authorities about ill treatment, personal safety, or discrimination, if you are not treated in line with internationally recognised standards
• help to transfer money to you from your friends or family. In places where phone or postal services are not available we can also try to pass on messages and deliver letters to the prison (but generally we cannot arrange for delivery directly to you)

What we cannot do

• get you out of prison or detention
• help you get special treatment because you are British
• offer legal advice, start legal proceedings or investigate a crime
• pay for any costs because you have been arrested
• forward you packages sent by friends or family
• prevent authorities from deporting you after release

First steps

Informing family members

If you want us to, we can tell your family or friends that you have been detained and provide them with information about how to contact you. With your consent, we can also keep them updated on your wellbeing.

If you are not sure about informing your family, we can help you consider what the impact of not doing so might be. For example, it may cause them distress if they do not know where you are, or cannot contact you. It can also be a disadvantage to you if you need someone to send you money or act on your behalf while you are detained.

Informing the UK police

If you are accused of certain serious offences, such as sexual assault or drugs trafficking, we are obliged to share information about your arrest with UK police. Information about this may appear if a Criminal Records Bureau check were carried out by a prospective employer. There may be other circumstances when information about you may need to be shared with authorities in [Jamaica].

Legal assistance: lawyers

We cannot give legal advice, start legal proceedings, or investigate a crime. However, we can provide information about the local legal system, including whether a legal aid scheme is available. We can also give you a list of local English-speaking lawyers . You should consider the benefits of local legal representation and discuss all the costs beforehand with the legal representative. We cannot pay your legal or interpretation costs in any circumstance.

Consular assistance: fair treatment

We cannot get you out of prison or detention, or get you special treatment because you are British. If you are not treated in line with internationally accepted standards, we will consider whether to approach the local authorities. This may include if your trial does not follow internationally recognised standards or is unreasonably delayed compared to local cases.

Other organisations that can provide assistance

We can put you, or your family, in touch with Prisoners Abroad, a UK charity which supports British citizens detained overseas and their families.

Chapter 2: Detention conditions in Jamaica

Visits: friends and family

Who can visit and how to arrange visits

You should consult FCDO travel advice before you travel to [Jamaica] for the latest information on safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings.

Any visitors wishing to visit a prisoner in Jamaica have to apply directly to the Department of Corrections. A visitor can do so by filling in a visitor’s form available from the Department of Corrections web site. You should bring your ID. It is the same for those who are held in prison but not yet been to trial or sentenced.

If sentenced, Inmates are permitted one visit one month after admission and subsequently at intervals of not less than one month. However, it is not unusual that exceptions are granted to overseas nationals visiting other foreign nationals in prison. Superintendents will try to be flexible with non-resident visitors.

What to expect when you visit

If you are coming from the UK, the British High Commission will try to obtain the prison authority’s agreement to allow additional visits. In either case the visitor must apply directly to the Department of Corrections in the first instance. At Tower street prison you will scanned (airport style) and you will be asked verbally that you are not carrying weapons.

Current visit times are as follows (subject to change):

• Fort Augusta: Monday-Friday 10:00-14:30hrs (two visits per inmate/month)
• St Catherine, Tamarind Farm and Tower Street (General Penitentiary)

Prisoner surnames A-N on Mondays and Fridays 9-11 and 13-15hrs

Prisoner surnames O-Z on Tuesdays and Thursdays 9-11 and 13-15hrs

Any prison comforts can be delivered at the times above. Food only (no other prison comforts) can be delivered on Wednesdays 9-11 and 13-15hrs.

St Catherine’s Adult Correctional Centre,
1, White Church Street,
Spanish Town,
St Catherine,
Jamaica

Fort Augusta Female Adult Correctional Centre,
4 South Camp Road
Kingston
Tamarind Farm,
Spanish Town,
St Catherine,
Jamaica

General Penitentiary,
2-4 Tower Street,
Kingston,
Jamaica

What you can take on your visit

Prison inmates cannot hold cash – they must buy voucher books (costing about £8 per book) that they can use in the tuck shop.

Prisoners may also be given some stationary, books and magazines (depending on availability).

Visitors can bring basic food and toiletries or clothing items such as undergarments or slippers. For men, white t-shirts and khaki pants are allowed as these are uniform. Uniforms at the women’s prisons are exclusively provided by the prison. Weapons, alcohol, drugs or other such paraphernalia are not allowed. For more clarity on items that can be brought in, families/friends can contact:

Office of the Commissioner of Corrections.
5-7 King Street,
Kingston,
Jamaica W.I.

Tel: 1(876) 922-0021-2 / 967-2781-3

Email: corrections@cwjamaica.com

Visits: Consular staff

We will try to visit you soon after you have been arrested or sentenced. Thereafter it would be about every quarter. The prisoner does not need to submit a request, but can speak to a superintendent if they need a visit sooner to address to concerns. This could be for example if they are having difficulty accessing a doctor, certain treatment or experiencing mistreatment.

Generally the prisoner will not know the exact date of a visit from the High Commission. If there is time, we will seek to visit all those at the prison being visited on that day. Those at Fort Augusta can call the High Commission but those in male prisons are not able to do so.

You can write to us at any time on matters that concern you but if it is urgent it may be quicker to ask prison authorities to contact us on your behalf.

Prisoners will be given an opportunity to let the consular officer know if you have any concerns to raise, and pass messages on to family in the UK.

Consular visits are conducted about every quarter. On a visit, consular staff will take any money deposited for prisoners (that has been deposited by Prisoners Abroad or family members in the UK via the FCDO. Money will be sent in cheque form or cash if in prison, and cash if at the immigration detention centre and deposited in a prisoner’s account.

Emergency trips outside of prison

If a prisoner needs medical treatment that is not possible within the prison, the prison will arrange for medical treatment to be undertaken.

It is very unlikely a prisoner would be allowed to attend a funeral, but this is decided the superintendent at the prison. The prisoner would need to write asking for permission.

Police custody and initial arrival at prison

Arriving at the police station: your basic rights

Under law, persons being detained have the right to communicate with and be visited by a spouse, partner or family member, religious counsellor, legal counsel and a medical professional of their choice.

Normally, wherever you are arrested and for whatever charge, the police should contact the High Commission to inform us of the arrest. You can also make the request for us to be notified.

You will remain at the police station lock up until your trial (or bail if granted). If sentenced you will then be transferred to a prison and this can take several weeks.

You will be informed why they have been arrested.

A detainee should have legal representation before answering questions/making a statement. Legal aid is available in some instances.

You can be held without a charge for about 24 hours except over weekends where it may take longer.

You will they have access to food and water, rules vary amongst police lock on how often and what can taken to the police lock up by friends and family. No mattress will be provided at the police lock up.

You will be allowed see a doctor. Personal belongings are normally stored at the lock up.

Some police locks up allow detainees allowed to make one phone call but they are limited to domestic phone numbers.

Arrival at prison

The following excerpts on the processing of inmates when being accepted into the adult correctional centre are as outlined by the Corrections Act.

• an abstract of Rule relation to conduct and treatment of the inmates will be read and explained
• every inmate shall be carefully searched on admission and at such times subsequently as may be directed, and all prohibited articles shall be taken from him
• a search will be conducted of the inmate with due regard to decency and self-respect, and in as seemly a manner as is consistent with the necessity of discovering any concealed article. a. No inmate shall be stripped and searched in the sight of another inmate. b. A female inmate shall be searched only by a female member of staff
• all money, clothing or other effects belonging to an inmate which he is not allowed to retain, shall be placed in the custody of the Superintendent who shall keep a list thereof in a book kept for that purpose which shall be signed by the inmate
• an inmate may not, only in exceptional circumstances, deliver into the custody of the Superintendent more than one outfit of clothing; any other clothing which he or she brings to the adult correctional centre shall be returned to the inmate’s home or to such other place as the inmate may request
• where any clothing in excess of one outfit is received by the Superintendent, such clothing shall be kept at the inmate’s risk
• articles which in the opinion of the Superintendent deemed too bulky for storage shall not be received
• the name, age, height, weight, particular marks, religion, occupation. next-of-kin, educational standard and such other measurements and particulars as may be required in regard to an inmate shall, upon his admission and from time to time, be recorded in such manner as may be directed by the Superintendent
• the fingerprints of an inmate may be taken in accordance with the provisions of the Finger Prints Act
• an inmate shall be photographed on reception and may be photographed subsequently, but no copy of the photograph shall be given to any person unless he is officially authorized to receive it.
• an inmate shall be bathed on reception and at such other times as may be fixed by the Superintendent, unless in any particular case the Superintendent or medical officer shall otherwise direct.
• if an inmate is found to have any infectious or contagious disease, or to be in a verminous condition, steps shall at once be taken to treat the condition and to prevent it from spreading to other inmates.

Subject to such conditions as may be prescribed by the Commissioner, the infant child of a female inmate may be received into an adult correctional centre with its mother and be supplied with clothing and other necessities at the public expense

Appearing at court

You will be required to confirm your name and address, if you do not have a lawyer, the Judge will ask for a lawyer to be appointed. This may delay proceedings.

Read more information about the [Jamaica] Judicial system

Initial arrival at the prison

All prisoners are searched and registered on arrival. They will see a doctor once they have been registered and they can discuss any current prescriptions needed. Any personal possessions will be put into storage.

Prisoners are not able to make phone calls once they have arrived at the prison.

Prisoners will have a uniform to wear which is provided. Some basic toiletries are provided by the prison authorities, more can be bought at the tuck shop.

Prison: conditions and daily life

Accommodation

Prison conditions in Jamaica are well below UK standards. Foreign nationals are treated no differently from Jamaicans. In general, prisons in Jamaica are overcrowded and capacity exceeds the amount the institutions were intended to house. All prisoners have to share a cell with others. With the exception of the women’s prison, prisoners usually sleep on sponges (foam mattresses) provided. In some cases, prisoners take a long time to receive a sponge or might not get one if they are serving a short sentence.

The women’s prison has a dormitory setting and women sleep on bunk beds. Water at the prison is drinkable unless otherwise stated by a doctor.

There is limited natural light in cells.

Food and diet

The food is very basic. Breakfast may include porridge, bread and tea. Dinner is typically chicken neck or feet or vegetables such as pak choi with rice or boiled dumplings and ground provisions. However, there may be scope to purchase extra food to supplement the regular diet. There are tuck shops in all the prisons. Money sent by Prisoner Abroad, friends or family can be used to purchase food and other amenities. The prison authorities will try within their limited resources to accommodate special dietary requirements for medical or religious reasons. Drinking is water available.

Hygiene

There are separate shower/bathing facilities which are basic. Prisoners will be allocated daily time slots by the superintendents. Basic toiletries provided by the prison authorities and more can be bought at the prison tuck shop.

Work and study

Every inmate should be given the opportunity to work outside the cell for at least 6 hours where practicable but should not be required to work longer than 8 hours (153(3)

Prisons offer courses to inmates such as school exams.

Contact and languages

Writing materials are provided but limited.

Prisoners allowed to watch television in communal areas. There are cultural and social activities on offer at the prison.

Each prison has a library where inmates can borrow one book at a time to take back to their cell. The activities offered in each prison vary with the staff and inmates, e.g. in Tower Street, inmates learn arts and craft, while in Fort Augusta inmates teach each other how to crochet and knit. Both Tower Street and St Catherine prison operate a radio station that is run by staff and inmates. Inmates can also take part in sporting activities such as cricket and football.

You will not have telephone access while serving sentences in Jamaica, with the exception of prisoners held at Fort Augusta. Fort Augusta prisoners have access to a public telephone and credit can be purchased from the tuck shop. There is no access to the internet.

You can request local language materials through the post from Prisoners Abroad (including language textbooks and dictionaries).

Exercise

Whilst in Prison every inmate should be given the opportunity to exercise in the open air for at least one hour per day and where practicable given the opportunity to participate in purposeful activity. This does not apply if you are in a police lock up.

Climate

The weather in Jamaica is warmer than in the UK throughout the year, particularly from April to December. Hurricane season is from May until November.

Religion

Arrangements for religious ministrations should be made for all inmates and access given to such religious texts as recognised by the inmate’s religious denomination.

Stella Maris church provides church services. The prison will try to accommodate other religions or denominations but this is not always possible.

Rules and regulations (including drugs)

You should adhere to all rules and regulations of the prison/police up and ensure you act respectfully to all prison staff. Rules should be explained shortly after your arrival.

Aside from drugs prescribed and distributed by prison doctors, your friends and family members can take in drugs to inmates if they can produce a prescription written by a medical doctor. Illegal drugs are prohibited in prisons. If persons are caught with illegal substances it might result in an extended prison sentence.

Prison: access to help and services

Receiving money

There are 2 ways you may be able to receive financial assistance while in prison:

• Private funds: deposited to you by your family or friends.
• Prisoners Abroad: depending on where you are detained, if your family cannot support you financially, Prisoners Abroad may be able to send you a small grant every quarter for essentials (enough for one hot meal a day).

The UK government does not provide financial assistance to prisoners.

Private funds

While the FCDO does not provide financial assistance to prisoners, we may be able, within certain limits, to send you money from your family or friends. Please note that you cannot have cash sent to you in the post.

The FCDO operates a ‘Prison Comfort’ system for money transfers to prisoners. Ask your family or friends to get in touch with the FCDO to arrange this.

We cannot receive payment by credit or debit card, or by cash.

If you have friends or family members in Jamaica you can deposit funds at the prison.

Prisoners Abroad

Prisoners Abroad may be able to assist you with funding for prison essentials and some medical care if you are not receiving regular funding from other sources. In Jamaica you may receive the Craig Feehan Fund from Prisoners Abroad. However must sign up to prisoners abroad, and application forms will give you to during a consular visit in Prison not at the police lock up.

Medical and Dental treatment

While you are detained, (Jamaica) is responsible for ensuring your basic medical needs are met.

There is a prison doctor and they will assess your medical need and decide if you need specialist treatment/medical are. Medical care in Jamaica is normally private.

With your permission, we can make sure that any medical or dental problems you might have are brought to the attention of any police or prison doctor. We can also contact your GP in the UK, if the police or prison doctor requests previous medical records.

Telephone calls

You will not have telephone access while serving sentences in Jamaica, with the exception of prisoners held at Fort Augusta. Fort Augusta prisoners have access to a public telephone for domestic calls and credit can be purchased from the tuck shop.

Making a complaint about mistreatment

If you have been mistreated, you should inform consular staff as soon as it is safe for you to do so. We will then do our best to visit you, to check on your welfare, discuss the allegations, and explain any local complaints procedures and supportive organisations that you may wish to consider. With your permission, and where appropriate, we will consider approaching the local authorities if you have not been treated in line with internationally-accepted standards. If you have been mistreated, try to see a doctor, obtain a medical report and if possible take photos of your injuries.

Chapter 3: The Jamaican Judicial system

Overview

The FCDO cannot interfere with the judicial system. We cannot ask for your case to be judged more quickly just because you are British, or ask the authorities to waive any penalties. The judicial system can take a long time, this depends on the charge or your plea. The exception is drugs charges which are usually heard more quickly.

First steps

What should happen after you are arrested

Based on the Court’s assessment into the nature of the crime and the risk assessment, you might be remanded into the custody of the Department of Correctional Services until a final decision is taken, or released on bail. If tried and found guilty, and sentenced to imprisonment, you will be handed over to one of the Departments reception institutions (prison).

If you are arrested for drugs while trying to leave the country, you will be held by the airport police, while further investigations take place. If you are arrested in Kingston you will then be taken to the Narcotics Division for holding where an interview will be conducted. If you are arrested in Montego Bay you will, most likely, be held at the Barnett Street or Freeport lock-up until your court appearance.

Once arrested, individuals have the right to communicate with their family. However, overseas calls are not normally allowed or possible in police stations. Once taken into custody, you can request that the authorities contact the British High Commission, who will in turn contact your friends/family to inform them on your behalf, if you are able to provide details.

If you have any questions on the legal aspects of your arrest, contact your lawyer. See for a list of local English-speaking lawyers .

How long you can be remanded in custody

The judicial process in Jamaica, particularly for drug trafficking, is usually quick. Other charges may take longer to take to trial depending on your plea. The lawful detention period without charge is 24 hours. You will usually be taken to court within two days of being detained, except for when detained on a Friday or over a weekend. If you are grant bail you will be expected to remain in Jamaica and handover your passports. If you are not granted you will likely stay at the police lock up, it is less likely you will be on remand in a prison but it does occasionally happen.

Prisoners on remand and sentenced prisoners: differences

. If you are not given bail, you will likely remain in the police up or in exceptional cases transferred to prison to await trial. If you are on remand in prison you will be treated the same as other prisoners but maybe housed in a separate area. It will depend on availability. There is no separate remand prison in Jamaica

After you are charged

Each case varies and the possibilities are best explained by your lawyer.

The judicial process in Jamaica, particularly for drug trafficking, is usually quick. The lawful detention period without charge is 24 hours. You will usually be taken to court within two days of being detained, except for when detained on a Friday or over a weekend.

Much will depend on your plea, but you will either be sentenced on the same day (the norm in drug trafficking cases if the defendant pleads guilty) or remanded in custody to appear at a later date. If the defendant pleads not guilty, he/she will be remanded in custody to await another trial date. Your lawyer (if you appoint one) will be the best person to explain how the Jamaican justice system works and present you with all your options.

Bail

Bail was rarely granted to foreign nationals. In our experience in the past, bail has been granted only on a few occasions where the circumstances have tended to be exceptional. Time on remand/ bail does not go toward time given for sentencing. Your lawyer is the best person to explain this process to you.

However since 2021 more foreigners have been granted bail. You will be expected to stay in Jamaica, your passports retained by local authorities and adhere to the bail conditions. Bail costs may vary.
The FCDO cannot transfer bail funds.

Trial and legal assistance

Legal assistance: lawyers and legal aid

If you wish to hire a private lawyer, see for a list of English-speaking lawyers . Prisoners Abroad can also supply general (non-country specific) information on legal aid, court proceedings and can advise on appointing a lawyer.

You will be handed a list of local lawyers by the consular official. You will need to decide whether you wish to retain the services of a lawyer, and if so, which one. If you opt to appoint a lawyer, you, your family or friends must meet the costs – the High Commission cannot involve itself in personal disputes over the payment of legal fees. Lawyers will ask to be paid in a variety of ways- cash, bank transfer or services such as western union.

Jamaica has in place the Legal Aid Council which is the body established by the Legal Aid Act, to administer and supervise legal aid across the island of Jamaica. Although the Legal Aid Act makes provision for legal aid in civil matters, at present legal aid is granted only in Criminal matters. A person who appears before a Magistrate or a Judge, charged with a Criminal offence, and whose means show that he/she cannot afford the services of a private attorney will be granted legal aid, provided he/she is not charged for one of the excepted offences.

The excepted offences are:

1. Certain offences under the Money Laundering Act; and
2. Certain offences under the Dangerous Drugs Act, when the amount of the substance for which the person is charged, exceeds eight (8) ounces.

To obtain a Duty Counsel (legal aid lawyer) to represent you, you may request the police to contact one on your behalf. You can choose not to be questioned without a lawyer being present.

Legal Aid Council
Air Jamaica Building
72 Harbour Street
Kingston

Telephone: 876 948-6999

The Legal Aid Clinic
131 Tower Street
876 922-3792

The Montego Bay Legal Aid Clinic
42B Union Street Montego Bay
876 952-2183

Trial

This depends on how you plead. If you plead not guilty, you will be given a court date where you and your lawyer (if you have one) can prepare the case. Offences including drug trafficking, traffic offences and civil matters are heard in the Resident Magistrates’ Court. Sanctions at this level usually include fine and prison time up to a few years.

Serious offences are tried in the Supreme Court before a jury. Some offences tried by a jury include; murder, manslaughter, rape, treason and arson. This is after an inquiry is held before a Resident Magistrate who then determines whether there is sufficient evidence. Waiting periods for cases to be mentioned again in court can take several months or year. Deferments are not uncommon, as a result of witnesses not being present.

Sentences

If convicted, most foreign nationals serve their sentences at the Fort Augusta (female) Adult Correctional Centre in Kingston, the St Catherine Adult Correctional Centre in Spanish Town or at the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre (also called the General Penitentiary) in Kingston. Fort Augusta is the only female prison on the island.

Sentences will vary from case to case, but in most cases involving drug trafficking the court will impose a mandatory sentence and a fine sentence to run consecutively. Inmates who are first offenders and who behave themselves usually serve only 2/3 of their mandatory sentence.

If the prisoner has also been fined then they will be released at the end of the mandatory sentence upon payment of the fine. However, if the fine is not paid then the prisoner will serve the further fine sentence. There is usually a reference to ‘hard labour’ in the sentence – prisoners are not normally subjected to this.

Time spent on remand does not count towards your sentence time.

Appeals

The Court of Appeal is the fourth tier of the court structure. It is the court to which all appeals are first referred. Appeals from the Resident Magistrate or Supreme Court are made to the Court of Appeal. Your lawyer will be able to explain this process in detail.

Reaching the end of your sentence

Reduction of sentence (remission)

More often than not, first time offenders are given 1/3 off their initial sentence. This decision is taken by the court and calculated by the Department of Correctional Services. The details of this are best explained by the office of the Commission of Corrections. Your lawyer should also be able to explain this.

Early release

There is no provision for parole or probation in Jamaica for foreign nationals.

At the moment, there is no possibility of a British national serving all or part of a sentence in the UK or being granted parole.

Clemency or pardon

You should discuss this subject with your lawyer.

Financial penalties

Financial penalties (fines) are determined by the judge and you will be informed of this during the sentencing hearing. Your lawyer can explain your fine (if you are fined) and the impact it may or may not have on your sentence time and if you are to serve a sentence as well.

We strongly encourage friends and families to contact the prison at least a month prior to the end date of the mandatory sentence in order for payment arrangements to begin. They can arrange to make payments directly to the prison if they have access to a Jamaican bank account. If not, then they will need to contact the Department of Correctional services by email technicalcoordinator@dcs.gov.jm to arrange payment.

If fines are not paid, the prisoner usually ends up spending a longer time in prison. Any delay in starting the process may result in the prisoner staying in prison longer than necessary.

Please note we cannot collect fine money from Western Union or from relatives/friends resident in Jamaica.

The High Commission will try to obtain sentence and release details in writing where possible. Clarifications on fines do not become available until after an inmate is transferred to prison.

Transfer to another prison within Jamaica

Prison transfers must be authorised by the prisoner directors. If you have been convicted you will be assigned to a prison to serve your sentence. Prison authorities are reluctant to transfer prisoners who want to escape debts incurred in a prison. If you are interested in a transfer, please speak to the prison’s Superintendent who will advise and raise your request with the committee. Inmates can be transferred from a penal institution to an infirmary due to ill health.

Transfer to a prison in the UK

A Prisoner Transfer Agreement does not exist between the UK and Jamaica.

Release and deportation

Upon release, British nationals (including residents) are normally deported to the UK. If an inmate’s fine is paid at the end of his/her mandatory sentence, an airline ticket must be purchased by friends or family (not the High Commission) before deportation can take place.

Friends or family who are buying a ticket should always check with the High Commission or FCDO before purchasing a ticket. If a ticket purchased by friends or family, the prisoner will normally be taken directly to the airport, if not they then maybe transferred to a detention centre.

We will explain on the deportation process during a consular visit and assistance offered by Prisoners Abroad.

Sometimes people find that they face difficulties adjusting to life in the UK once they have left prison. You may find yourself ready for life on the outside but not prepared for living in the UK. You may not have lived in the UK before and have no connections there, or perhaps you have lost touch with friends and family. You may want to talk to another person who understands what you have been through, to help you consider what to do next.

If you are registered with Prisoners Abroad, you can visit Prisoners Abroad when you first arrive back in UK for advice, to use their temporary luggage store, make essential phone calls or use a computer. If you have no belongings Prisoners Abroad may be able to help with basic toiletries and finding suitable clothing. If you know your release date in advance you should tell the Prisoner and Family Support Team when you are likely to arrive and what help you think you might need. If you have no money and nowhere to go, Prisoners Abroad’s Resettlement Service can help with:

• advice on finding emergency accommodation in the London area
• claiming welfare benefits, including emergency benefit payments if you are destitute
• making appointments with doctors and dentists
• putting you in touch with local agencies if you are not returning to the London area

Later on you may want advice on housing, looking for work, applying for training or getting counselling. Prisoners Abroad can refer you to the right agency.

Other sources of practical help back in the UK are:

The Salvation Army:

UK Helpline +44 (0)20 7367 4888

Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm, or contact your local Salvation Army branch

The Prison Fellowship:

UK Helpline +44 (0)20 7799 2500

Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Your criminal record in the UK

We will not normally pass on information about your case to a third party without your consent. However, if you’re arrested for certain serious offences, such as child sex abuse or drugs crimes, our staff must tell other relevant UK authorities. It is possible that information about this may appear if a Criminal Records Bureau check were carried out by a prospective employer.

Chapter 4: Additional information

Additional Information

Prisoners Abroad

Since 1978 the charity Prisoners Abroad has offered practical support and advice to British citizens imprisoned abroad. It is the only UK charity providing this service. It is available to all, whether guilty or innocent, convicted or awaiting charge or trial. Prisoners Abroad supports your health and welfare during your imprisonment. It can also provide support on your return to the UK, through their resettlement service (if you have registered whilst in prison). They can also provide support and advice to your family when you are in prison. To access any services, you must first register with Prisoners Abroad by signing and returning their authorisation form.

Once you seek help from Prisoners Abroad, the Prisoner & Family Support Service will be your point of contact for advice and information. The type of assistance they can offer varies from country to country, but generally they can provide you with information, in English, on:

• your rights as a prisoner
• issues that may affect you such as health or transfer to the UK
• getting magazines, newspapers, books and the regular Prisoners Abroad newsletter
• learning the language of your country of imprisonment
• translating documents
• grants for food if you are in a developing country and do not have funds from other sources
• grants for essential medicines and toiletries if you do not have funds from other sources
• preparing for release
• help for your loved ones, including information, family support groups and, in a few cases, assistance with the cost of visiting
• Freepost envelopes to help you stay in touch with others

Prisoners Abroad
UK Helpline +44 (0)20 7561 6820 or 0808 172 0098
Mondays to Fridays 9:30am to 4:30pm (UK time)
89 – 93 Fonthill Road
London N4 3JH
UK

Telephone: 00 44 (0)20 7561 6820 or, for your relatives in the UK, Freephone 0808 172 0098 (Mondays to Fridays 9.30 am to 4.30 pm, UK time)

Email: info@prisonersabroad.org.uk

Website: www.prisonersabroad.org.uk

Annex

FCDO guidance: Support for British nationals abroad

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/support-for-british-nationals-abroad-a-guide

FCDO guidance: Arrested abroad: advice for British nationals

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/arrest-or-detention/arrested-abroad-advice-for-british-nationals

List of English-Speaking Lawyers

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/list-of-lawyers-in-jamaica/list-of-lawyers-in-jamaica–2

Prisoners Abroad Forms

https://www.prisonersabroad.org.uk/arrest-and-imprisonment

Disclaimer

This booklet was compiled by the Consular Section of the British High Commission, Jamaica. It is revised on a regular basis

If any of the information contained in this booklet is incorrect, please draw inaccuracies to our attention so that we can make amendments.

The British High Commission in Jamaica is not accountable for the information provided in this booklet. Local proceedings are subject to change at any time.