Guidance

Information pack for British nationals arrested or detained in Poland

Updated 9 August 2024

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 Poland 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. 

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.   

British Embassy Warsaw 

ul. Kawalerii 12 00-468 Warsaw Poland 

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 or +48 22 311 0000.  

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 Poland, notification by the authorities to the consulate normally takes place within 24 hours of the arrest.    

We can also: 

• Provide a list of local English-speaking lawyers and interpreters.   

• 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. 

• 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).  

• In some circumstances we may be able to help you apply for a transfer to a prison in the UK. 

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 Poland. 

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 interpreters and 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 Poland 

Visits: friends and family 

Who can visit and how to arrange visits 

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

The rules for visits, the authorising authority and their frequency vary considerably depending on whether you are under pre-trial detention or serving a prison sentence and, if so, in which type of prison and ward (e.g. semi-open prison vs high security ward in closed prison). 

If you are pre-trial detained, relatives or friends wishing to visit should first obtain a visit permit from a court prosecutor or from the prosecuting authority leading on the case.  

If you are convicted and serving a sentence in Poland, a consent should be obtained from a Prison Director. 

In certain cases, provided for by law (offence committed in an organised crime group, prior attempted escape from prison), a convicted prisoner may be classified as “dangerous”. Such qualification makes the prisoner serve their sentence in a specially adapted ward or cell and visits are subject to a special regime. 

If the convicted person has permanent custody of a child under 15, he is entitled to an additional visit per month regardless of the type of prison. 

The procedure for signing up for visits in each facility may look slightly different. This is based on information provided by the Prison’s Director. The prisons often set a day on which visits can be arranged, which only takes place at certain times. Prisons may also have days excluded from visits. 

What to expect when you visit 

Most prisons have a communal visiting area, however in some cases viewings might take place behind plexiglass. 

All visitors coming to the prison must provide a photo ID. 

A standard prison visit lasts 60 minutes. You benefit from one visit per day. Details of visits are set out in regulations approved by the Prison Director. 

There can be up to two adult visitors per prisoner visiting at the same time.  The Prison Director may decide in a particular case that more persons may take part in a visit (family coming from further afield). In the case of minors visiting a prisoner, there is no limit on the number of participants in a visit.  

Every prison visit takes place under the close supervision of an officer. However, as a reward for good behaviour, a prisoner may have unsupervised visitation or a visit in a separate area. 

What you can take on your visit 

Any electronic devices (phone, watch) will have to be left in a deposit for the duration of the visit. 

You may consume groceries purchased by visitors from the prison’s canteen during visits. 

Visitors may hand over items to you, but these items must be approved in advance by the Prison Director. Packages may not contain items that cannot be inspected without serious damage, in packaging that makes it difficult to inspect, or include item or devices that may pose a threat to order or security in the prison. All items will be subject to inspection in your presence. 

Visits and calls: consular staff  

Once we are notified of an arrest we will apply for a visit permit to the respective authority. The visit can take place in the prison in person or can be arranged online via video link with the prison. 

Once sentenced and imprisoned the consular staff will aim to visit you once a year unless it is necessary for more frequent visits. 

You will be notified of the visit by us or by the prison staff. The visits are only allowed during specified visiting hours on specific days. On the day of our visit the prison staff will notify you that someone has arrived to visit, and you will be taken to the communal area.  

If you would like to arrange a call with us they should speak to the prison staff and they should call our main embassy line (22 311 00 00) in order to get put through to the team in Warsaw. 

You can write to us at any time on matters that concern you;  

Consular Section 

British Embassy Warsaw 

Kawalerii 12  

00-468, Warszawa 

Emergency trips outside of prison  

Permission to leave the prison is granted by the Prison Director following a request by the prisoner. Permissions can be given to visit a seriously ill family member, attend the funeral of a family member and in other cases that are particular important to the prisoner. The decision will specify the duration of the leave, but it must not exceed 5 days.  

Police custody and initial arrival at prison 

Arriving at the police station: your basic rights 

In Poland, detention can last up to 48 hours. During this time, the authorities may decide to transfer you to the court’s disposal with a request for pre-trial detention, which the court must consider within the next 24 hours.  

The Police may arrest you having determined that there is possibility that you have committed a crime and there are concerns that you may flee or obstruct the proceedings (e.g. by covering your tracks).  

You may also be detained because law enforcement authorities cannot establish your identity or intend to pursue a fast-track procedure. 

You have to be informed of your basic rights at the detention (listed below), the criminal offence that is being investigated and how long are you going to be detained and the police detention cell. You have a right to have an interpreter free of charge– i.e. this information has to be provided in a language, you understand.  

Your basic rights during detention are: 

• a right to inform the British Embassy about your arrest. 

• a right to an interpreter, the interpreter should be provided for the purpose of the interview at the police station free of charge. You should not, without the presence of an interpreter, sign any documents that you do not understand. 

• a right to refuse to make statements.  

• a right to contact a lawyer of your choice (e.g. by telephone), and the right to speak with them directly.

• a right to notify your next of kin (or any other person you designate), - your employer, - your school/university, - your commanding officer, - the person in charge of your enterprise or the enterprise you are responsible for.

• a right to see a doctor. You can ask to see a doctor during the time of your detention. The doctor will be allocated by a police officer or a state prosecutor. 

What are your obligations

You must: 

1. submit to a visual inspection of your body and examination, that is not connected with the violation of your body, 

2. allow to be fingerprinted, 

3. allow to be photographed and shown to other persons, 

4. submit to having your blood, hair, cheek mucous membrane swabbed by a police officer, if it is necessary and does not endanger your health, 

5. allow for a psychological and psychiatric examination. 

You can ask that the inspection and examination of your body be performed by a person of the same sex. 

Possible transfer to another facility

Not all police stations have cells with beds. It is therefore possible that after initial detention, you will be taken to another police station. Phone calls from the police station are not allowed because the suspect is still under investigation. Personal belongings will be taken off the arrested individual and will be deposited at the police station, the belongings are returned upon release from custody. 

Feedback and complaints

If you have any complaints to make, you should file an official complaint with the relevant local police upon release. 

The complaint should be written in Polish. The Police will not process the complaint if the letter is submitted to them in English. Please ensure that the letter includes your name and contact details (correspondence address, a foreign address is fine). The letter should include as much detail as possible, the date of the incident, case reference numbers, names of police officers that mistreated you etc. 

The complaint can be sent to the police in two ways, email or post. 

By email at skargi.kgp@policja.gov.pl  

By post at Komenda Główna Policji, ul. Puławska 148/150, 02-624 Warszawa, Poland. 

What’s next? 

Detention is not equivalent to bringing charges against you, you may be released without any further steps after the Police have carried out the relevant actions (e.g. after questioning the detainee or witnesses).  

However, if you are charged, you then become a party to the criminal proceedings.  

Criminal Proceedings

Criminal proceedings are divided into three stages:  

1. pre-trial proceedings (remand), 

2. trial, 

3. sentencing. 

Pre-trial proceedings 

Pre-trial proceedings, depending on the type of offence which constitutes the subject of the proceedings - may be conducted in two forms, namely as: 1) an inquiry or 2) an investigation. Investigation is usually conducted by the Public Prosecutor and inquiry by the Police (supervised by the Public Prosecutor). 

Such a division affects the shape of legal - procedural forms of co-operation between the prosecutor, police officers and officers of other authorized bodies. 

Pre-trial proceedings generate a two-stage enquiry: 

• in the case, when the Police try to determine whether an offence was committed and who committed it and gathers evidence; 

• against a person, when the evidence makes it possible to charge a person with committing of an offence (przedstawienie zarzutów). 

Pre-trial proceedings end with an indictment brought to court by the Public Prosecutor. In certain cases, defined by law, the indictment is brought by a private prosecutor, the victim of the offence. 

Trial  

Most court proceedings begin with an indictment being brought to the court. 

The Regional Courts (Sąd Okręgowy) rule in the first instance on offences (murder, manslaughter or forgery) and wrong doing defined by law. Less serious wrong doing like theft or drink driving are likely to be heard by district courts (Sąd Rejonowy).  

In Poland there is no jury trial as in England. In principle, cases at first instance are heard by a bench consisting of a professional judge or professional judge and 2 lay judges. More complicated cases, however, can be heard by 3 or even 5 judges without the presence of lay judges.  

The presiding judge presides over the trial and ensure that it proceeds properly, ensuring that all relevant circumstances of the case are clarified. After the charge has been laid, the presiding judge instructs the accused, among other things, on their right to:  

• give explanations,  

• remain silent or refuse to answer questions, 

• ask for evidence.  

The presiding judge asks the accused whether you plead guilty to the charge and whether you wish to give an explanation. 

If the accused wishes to give an explanation, an interrogation follows, after which the chairman instructs the accused of his right to ask questions of those being questioned and to explain any evidence. Subsequently, further evidence in the case is taken. These could include: witnesses who saw/heard something happen, police officers who can describe the evidence they’ve found or expert witnesses who will give evidence related to their area of expertise. 

Conviction without an evidentiary hearing 

The accused may submit a request for conviction without an evidentiary hearing (dobrowolne poddanie się karze). The request must be submitted (in writing or on the record) before the end of the accused’s explanations, and in a situation where there are several accused in the case - before the end of the hearing of all the accused (regardless of which one the request is to concern). 

Once the court has heard all the evidence, the presiding judge closes the trial, the prosecution will summarise the main points of the accusation, the defence will be given the opportunity to make a closing argument and the verdict will follow. 

Sentencing 

The court may decide to acquit the accused, discontinue the proceedings, conditionally discontinue the proceedings, or convict the accused. 

If the court convict the accused (finds the accused guilty), the judge passes the sentence by following relevant sentencing guidelines. The law set out the minimum and maximum sentences for an offence and provide guidance as to where on that scale the sentence should fall (for example offender’s motivation and behaviour, his way of life before and after committing the offence, his desire to redress the damage or his personal conditions are taken into account). 

Appeal 

The parties may contest the first instance judgment by lodging an appeal (apelacja) or an interlocutory appeal (zażalenie). 

Final judgments can also be challenged by extraordinary remedies, including among others a cassation appeal to the Supreme Court or a petition to reopen the proceedings. 

The second instance court may uphold the conviction, overturn the conviction and discontinue the proceedings, order a retrial or change the sentence. 

Legal representation in criminal proceedings 

Polish criminal law and proceedings are quite complex, and the assistance of a defence lawyer is highly recommended at every stage of the proceedings. 

The defence lawyer can only be an advocate (adwokat) or an attorney-at-law (radca prawny). 

The lawyer acting as defence lawyer for the suspect/accused is helpful in ensuring that his/her rights are respected in criminal proceedings. In particular, a defence lawyer will: 

• explain the legal basis of the charges and possible penalty; 

• investigate whether the statute of limitations for the criminal offence charged has expired; 

• represent the suspect and defend their interests in the pre-trial proceedings (e.g. show-cause, examination of witnesses, any action involving the suspect at this stage of the proceedings); 

• represent the accused throughout the court proceeding; 

• if you deem it appropriate, your defence lawyer will assist you in making a statement of voluntary surrender without trial within the time limit required by law; 

• formulate questions to witnesses and experts to verify the validity of the claims they make. 

You have a right to a defence lawyer, from the moment you become a suspect (charges are brought). 

Defence lawyer is usually appointed by the accused. If the accused is deprived of liberty, the defence counsel may be appointed by another person. The accused should be notified thereof. 

If you cannot afford a defence lawyer of your choice, the decision to appoint a public defender will be taken by the court. 

The public defender must act throughout the proceedings until their final conclusion. In the event of an unfavourable judgement, the appointed public defender must file an appeal and defend it before a second instance court. 

A change of appointed public defender may be sought in particularly justified situations. 

If the public defender does not speak the language of the accused sufficiently, he may request the presence of an interpreter during meetings with the accused and during the trial. 

Selection and establishment of defence counsel is self-initiated by the accused based on knowledge, advice and information provided see the attached list of English-speaking lawyers.

Compulsory representation 

In general representation by a defence lawyer in criminal proceedings is not required by law. There are, however, circumstances when the participation of a defence lawyer is mandatory and the court (during pre-trial proceedings and the trial) is obliged to appoint a defence counsel if the suspect/accused or his or her family has not appointed one. This applies where: 

1. the accused is under 18; 

2. the accused is deaf, mute or blind; 

3. there is a justified doubt as to whether his/her ability to recognise the meaning of the act or to direct his/her proceedings was not, at the time of committing the act, disabled or significantly impaired; 

4. there is a justified doubt as to whether his/her mental health condition allows him/her to participate in the proceedings or to conduct his/her defence in an independent and reasonable manner. 

The accused must also have a defence counsel if the court deems it necessary due to other circumstances hindering the defence. 

Interpreter 

You have the right to be assisted by an interpreter free of charge if you do not have sufficient knowledge of Polish. 

Initial arrival at the prison 

Admission to a facility 

On admission, you need to show a document proving your identity, provide personal data, inform about any change of personal data since the conviction, provide registered address or place of residence, previous criminal record, health conditions (information on any regular medication taken), and child support obligations.  

To be placed in suitable cells, you are required to declare whether you use tobacco products. 

Your documents, money and items indicated by the prison staff are deposited. There are different rules for the personal items you can take with you in closed and open prisons and in pre-trial detention centres. In general, you have more rights as a convicted prisoner than when remanded in pre trail detention. 

During the admission, you may give details of persons with whom you want to maintain contact with. 

In pre-trial you have the right to communicate your current whereabouts to your next of kin or to other persons, associations, organisations and institutions (the address must be given), and your lawyer. A foreign national remanded in pre-trial detention also has the right to notify his current whereabouts to the embassy. 

After admission 

Immediately after admission, you will be placed in a temporary cell (up to 14 days), where you will undergo an initial medical examination, a sanitary treatment, and a radiological examination of the chest. 

You will be familiarised with the prison’s internal rules. You have the right to meet with your prison supervisor (wychowawca). The supervisor should answer any questions you may have about the conditions of the detention. 

When reporting to serve your sentence, it is advisable to bring a set of clothes suitable for the season (different set of clothes can be obtained from relatives), stationery (cards, envelopes, stamps, pens), telephone cards for pay phone, cash. 

Do not bring valuables, jewellery, mobile phones (and other means of communication), ATM cards, foreign currency, perfume, bedding, cosmetics, towels. 

Safety 

If you are teased, insulted, physically abused or threatened, you need to inform a prison officer or a prison staff member. This can be done during any time you go outside your cell. You can call an officer at any time by activating a dedicated device, which is located in a visible place in your cell. 

Prison: conditions and daily life  

The conditions in Polish prisons are at an average European level, with several problems including overcrowding, small cells (with a standard 3m2 of living space per person in a cell), limited access to specialist health service. The prisons offer, basic hygienic conditions, and a possibility to receive certain limited belongings from outside the prison (books, religious objects, notes). 

Although the principle of not guilty until proven otherwise applies, the prisoners held in pre-trial detention in detention facilities (Areszt Śledczy) face worse conditions than those convicted, as their participation in educational, sport or working activities is limited. Their rights to make phone calls and have visitors is also restricted and subject to consent by the prison authorities as well as the court or the prosecutor, who may refuse the consent if they consider the contact to endanger the course of the investigation. The refusals are common especially at the early stages of the pre-trial detention. 

Accommodation 

Polish regulations provide prisoners with a minimum of 3square meters living space in a cell. They also allow for the possibility of placing a person in a cell of less than 3square meters in certain places circumstances.  

Shared cells are most common in Polish prisons, with usually 3-4 prisoners per one cell. In general, Polish prisons are filled up to their capacity with overcrowding as a pervasive issue.  

Prison cells usually have a small window with bars so there is natural light. 

You are guaranteed the conditions necessary to maintain personal hygiene; you will receive bedding from the prison and other means to maintain hygiene and cleanliness in the cell.  The sleeping conditions are humanitarian, with usually bunk beds or single beds. The cell will contain a toilet, running water, electricity. There are usually no washbasins or shower in the cells. 

Food and diet 

Polish prisons serve a variety of dishes to maintain a balanced diet. The individual preferences are respected in case of vegetarians or religiously restricted diets. Any complains should be raised immediately with a caseworker (wychowawca). This should also be brought to the attention of consular staff during visits.  

A temporarily detained person may, with the consent of the authorities, use food, medical and hygiene products obtained from outside the detention center. 

Hygiene 

You will be provided with clothing, underwear, footwear, bedding, hygiene products, household cleaning products, and tableware by the prison authorities both in prisons and in pre-trial detention. You can do shopping in a prison canteen - you are entitled to it four times a month and each time during visits with close relatives. The prison canteens offer food, as well as basic personal hygiene products. You may (in pre-trial detention: with the consent of the authority to which disposition they remain and the director of the detention centre) use food, medical, and hygiene products obtained from outside the detention centre. 

You have a right to take a warm shower at least once a week. If you are employed in physical work, you will be entitled to more frequent showers. 

You receive clothing, underwear, and footwear appropriate to the season from the prison, unless you use your own.  

Work and study 

Work is not compulsory in Polish prisons but prisoners serving their sentence, as well as detainees in pre-trial detention, can apply for a job (in the latter case, the access to work will be much more limited in practice, and is conditional upon the consent of the authorities). The jobs offered are limited and will usually cover the needs of the prison. The British citizens are often reported to work as English teachers or prison library assistants.  

There are opportunities to study while being in prison. It means getting higher education degrees or professional/vocational courses with diplomas. Education is conducted in the Polish language. With the consent of the director of the prison, the convicts may attend school outside the penitentiary facility. Such possibility would not be possible in pre-trial detention. Prisoners without sufficient financial resources are provided with textbooks and teaching aids. 

Contact and languages 

If possible, the prison will try to put you in a cell with another English-speaking inmate. Some guards/prison supervisors (wychowawca) speak English, but not all.  

Prisons usually have a library, but the availability of English books is very limited. 

The extent to which you can contact other inmates (apart from their cellmates) depends on whether you are serving a sentence or remaining in pre-trial detention. While serving the sentence the contact with other prisoner is frequent (e.g. during joint exercises, classes, work), especially in the open and semi-open type of prisons. In the pre-trial detention, the contacts are generally limited to going out for a daily walk. 

You can learn Polish language with your own textbooks (in the remand custody the consent of the director of the prison unit is required). You can request local language materials through the post from Prisoners Abroad (including language textbooks and dictionaries). 

If you are serving a sentence or remaining in pre-trial detention you will not have access to the internet, except for the governmental websites and official public information journal (BIP). The use of internet is allowed upon request and supervision of a prison guard. 

There are libraries in prisons that offer books in other languages, including English. The prisoners serving the sentence may use the newspapers offered by the prison. You can order books/magazines/newspapers from outside (excluding internet orders), upon receiving consent from the prison director.  

Exercise 

You will spend a minimum of 1 hour each day outside; this will be usually a restricted area in the prison courtyard. Inmates can sometimes use this time for exercising or playing sports, depending on the prison.  

In pre-trial you will spend most of the time in residential cells (average 23 hours per day). You can go for a walk for an hour a day. 

The prison authorities should organise regular physical exercise for the prisoners. In practice, this is less frequent in pre-trial detention.  

Climate 

The climate in Poland is a typical central Europe climate with a mix of cold winters and warm summers. You will be provided with appropriate clothing for all weather conditions.  

Religion 

Permission to practice religion applies to the churches and religious societies that are legally recognised and registered on the territory of Poland.  

Prisoners have the right to keep religious magazines and books as well as religious objects in their cells, though their type and amount may be limited for security reasons. A priest may meet with prisoners in groups or individually.  

Rules and regulations (including drugs) 

Prison rules and regulations are obligatorily explained to inmates. Each penitentiary unit should have an English version of the rules and regulations to be given to inmates. 

Tobacco / cigarettes are allowed inside Polish prisons. The tobacco may be purchased in the prison canteen. If you are a non-smoker, you will be allocated a non-smoking cell on request.  

The prisoners and the detainees in remand are subject to disciplinary liability for violation of laws and prison regulations. For example, if you refuse to take part in the obligatory activities, manifests aggression towards other prisoners or prison staff, possesses forbidden objects or drugs, you will be liable for violation of the discipline. The seriousness of the violation is determined on a case-by-case basis. 

Disciplinary sanctions in prison for the prisoners serving the sentence include reprimand, deprivation of rewards or benefits, suspension of activities, and restricted access to food and tobacco purchases for up to 3 months. Other sanctions involve limited visitation rights and reduced work remuneration by up to 25% for the same period. Additional measures include the prohibition of visitation and telephone privileges for up to 28 days, as well as placement in solitary confinement for a maximum of 28 days. 

Disciplinary sanctions for those in pre-trial detention include reprimand, prohibition of buying personal groceries for up to 14 days, exclusion from receiving groceries packages for up to 3 months, placement in solitary confinement for up to 14 days, exclusion from certain cultural or sports activities for up to 1 month, and restriction on food or tobacco purchases for the same period. 

Good behaviour in prison may be rewarded. Rewards may also be granted to encourage improvement in behaviour. The rewards may include permission for additional or longer visits, visits without supervision, visits in a separate room without supervision, increased participation in cultural, educational, and sports activities, receipt of additional food packages, extra purchases of food, tobacco, and approved items in the prison, permission for phone calls at the expense of the prison, and extra phone call sat your or caller’s expense. 

Drugs / HIV  

The drugs usage is present in Polish prisons. Due to the increasing phenomenon of smuggling drugs to the detention sites, the prison service increased controls. The control of possession of drugs are routinely performed via searches. Drug tests may be performed if the prison staff suspects the usage of drugs.  

Possession of drugs is illegal and may be punished disciplinary as well as via regular criminal law sanctions.  

Out of circa 70 000 population in Polish prisons, in 2023 there were 229 cases of ongoing HIV treatment. In case of suspected exposition for HIV infection, the prisoner should report it to the prison service and undergo relevant tests.  

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 the country 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. 

However, it might be easier if your family and friends transfer funds directly to prison. Every remand and detention centre in Poland have a bank account number for families of the detained. Details of how to make a transfer are usually available on the websites of the detention centres. The essential data to include in the title of the bank transfer are: full name of the prisoner, their father’s forename name and the name of the remand/detention centre.  

In penitentiaries, there is a concept of an “iron cash register.” This involves a detention centre or prison retaining from each payment made to an inmate a sum of money in a certain amount, so that when a person leaves such a prison or detention centre, he or she will have money available for a so-called “head start”.  

Money is saved until the amount equivalent to a current minimum wage is collected (currently approx. PLN 4,242.00).  

After reaching the above amount, each subsequent transfer goes in full to the inmate. 

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. See further information on Prisoners Abroad below. 

Medical and Dental treatment 

While you are detained, Poland is responsible for ensuring your basic medical needs are met. Poland has a public health service system as well as private service providers. The public health service generally satisfies all the patients’ needs; however, the system faces staff shortages, which translates to long waiting periods for the health treatment, especially regarding ambulatory and specialist health services. 

You are entitled to free health care and medications both as a prisoner and on remand. The right to choose healthcare providers is limited if you are serving a prison sentence, and medical services are primarily provided by healthcare entities designated for prisoners. In principle, you cannot choose the private health service, although in exceptional cases, the prison director, with input from the prison doctor, may allow to seek treatment from a chosen healthcare provider at their own expense and use additional medications and medical products.  

Prosthetics, orthopaedic items, and medical aids are provided free of charge, with certain exceptions. If you refuse necessary medical procedures, the decision to proceed rests with the Prison Director upon a doctor’s recommendation.  

There are prison doctors available in prison units, however most prison facilities face staffing shortages and long waiting times for scheduled appointments with general practitioners. Additionally, specialist doctors typically work part-time, contributing to the lengthy wait for medical consultations.  

Psychological and psychiatric assistance in prisons also face shortages. The psychological care provided is deemed insufficient by national control authorities, with approximately one psychologist per circa 200 inmates. Concerns also include long waits for psychiatric consultations. 

In exceptional cases you may be transferred to non-prison hospitals. In case of a medical urgency, an inmate should report this to prison staff, if able to, or to cellmates. The staff would be obliged to respond, and to decide whether to call an ambulance (the prisoner is not able to call an ambulance on their own). 

You are subject to medical check-ups before being admitted to prisons/detention centres. Those with serious medical predicaments are consulted in regular hospital wards or in prison hospitals (the biggest are in Krakow and Szczecin).  All data is recorded in personal health books and is easily accessible.  

All medical treatment and prescribed medicines are free of charge. Foreign medications are exchanged for Polish equivalents under direct doctor’s supervision and responsibility.  

Basic dental treatment and check-ups are offered in Polish prisons. In case of serious dental problems, prisoners are transported to external clinics for consultation and treatment, if necessary. All medical needs need to be reported to the supervisor assigned to the prisoner. 

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

Letters and parcels 

Prisoners can send and receive letters. Letters of remanded prisoners are screened by the prosecutor. When sending letters to prison it is best to write them or translate them into Polish as this will cut down on the time needed for translation and the prisoner won’t have to pay for the service of a sworn translator. Letters in English are translated by sworn translators before screening which may cause delays. You need to purchase your own stamps using your prison fund if you want to send letters out of prison.  

It is crucial that when addressing a letter you provide a name of the father of the detained. E.g. John/Kate Brown – son/daughter of James (father). Polish version: John Brown – syn/córka ………….. (name of the father)  

The number, size, frequency and content of parcels is always determined by the prison internal rules and may vary from prison to prison. In most prisons, prisoners are given special coupons (talony) for clothes and toiletries. 

Telephone calls 

The convicts serving a sentence have the right to use a telephone at least once a week at their own expense or at the callers expense. In justified cases, the director of the prison may grant consent to use a self-collecting telephone at the expense of the prison. The number, frequency and ease of access to telephone calls may vary from one prison to another. 

The use of telephones is much more restricted in pre-trial detention. In pre-trial detention you will have access to the prison phone to contact your defence lawyer. However, to contact other individuals, they require the consent of the prison authorities and the authorities that determine their situation (court or prosecutor). In the written request a particular phone number should be indicated. Permission is granted only if it does not jeopardize the progress of the criminal proceedings. Any decision denying the use of the phone to contact specific individuals can be appealed to the court or the prosecutor. 

You are not allowed to have your own mobile with you in the cell. The access to the internet is limited to official governmental sites and official journal of public information (BIP), upon request and supervision of the prison staff. 

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.  

Complaints against Polish Prison Service:

• Complaints about mistreatment in prison should be submitted to the director of the prison to which the complaint relates.

Complaints against Polish Police:

• If there is a justified suspicion of criminal activity, e.g. causing injury or other forms of ill-treatment, by the prison staff, Police officers or inmates, it may be reported to the prison authorities, as well as prosecutor’s office or the Police unit. The report should be made in writing in Polish language. The report should describe the facts of the case, and a precise determination of time, place (e.g. name of the prison) and personal data of the person filing the report.  

Chapter 3: The Poland 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. 

Structure 

Poland has a three-tier system of common courts dealing with criminal cases. Most of the cases land in one of 318 District Courts (sądy rejonowe), whose rulings may be appealed to 47 Regional Courts (sądy okręgowe). Regional courts decide as a court of first instance in cases of felonies and certain misdemeanours set out in the Criminal Code (participation in a brawl and beating if it results in the death of a person, theft of property of significant value, money laundering). Regional court rulings issued in first instance may be appealed to one of 11 Courts of Appeal (sąd apelacyjny). 

The Supreme Court (Sąd Najwyższy) serves as a court of cassation reviewing selected verdicts of the courts of second instance, which cannot be further appealed.  

Public and private prosecution 

In the Polish criminal system, we distinguish between publicly and privately prosecuted offences. The majority of investigations and prosecutions are carried out by public enforcement authority: Police or Public Prosecutor. Conversely, a private prosecution is a prosecution started by a private individual. It is therefore the victim who should draw up and file a private indictment directly with the court. 

Right to defence and presumption of innocence 

Everyone against whom a criminal proceeding is conducted is considered innocent until the court establishes his guilt by a legally valid verdict. The accused has the right to be granted the time and opportunity to prepare his defence, and to defend himself either alone or through a defence counsel.  

Length of proceedings 

The Code of Criminal Procedure does not provide for a maximum duration of a criminal case. An inquiry should last 2 months and an investigation 3 months, but these are not fixed time limits and very often these periods are extended by decisions of the prosecutor. Also, the court does not have a maximum period established for the consideration of a criminal case after the indictment is received by the court. In general, court proceedings in Poland are not expeditious. In total, the entire criminal proceedings may take from a few months to even a few (or more) years. 

Stages 

Criminal proceedings in Poland consist of the following stages: 

• Pre-trial proceedings (in the form of investigation or inquiry), 

• Trial, 

• Sentencing, 

• Enforcement proceedings. 

Pre-trial proceedings 

As a rule, the Police has a duty to investigate all reports of suspected criminal activity. Police reports filed online are forwarded to the competent police unit. Some police reports are filed by police officers themselves when a unit responds to an incident. 

To begin an investigation, the Police need as detailed a description as possible of the incident and the individuals involved.  

Criminal proceedings in Poland may be commenced by the authority (e.g. public prosecutor, Police) conducting preparatory proceedings upon its own information about suspected criminal offence or when it obtains information about such criminal offence from a third party (especially a victim). 

If the information indicates justified suspicion of an offence, the authority issues a decision to initiate preparatory proceedings. If it finds lack of justified suspicion of an offence, it refuses to initiate proceedings. Such decision can be appealed. 

In general, preparatory proceedings are divided into two phases: 

• in the case (in rem), when the authorities aim to determine whether an offence was committed and who committed it, 

• against a person (in personam), when a specific individual is charged with committing a criminal offence. 

Pre-trial proceedings are conducted by the prosecutor or other investigative authorities which are entrusted with such task by the prosecutor. In the latter scenario Prosecutor supervises the proceedings. 

In both phases of pre-trial proceedings, the authorities gather and take evidence or may request evidence from the parties to the proceedings (the victim and the suspect; respecting the privilege of the suspect not to incriminate himself/herself) or third parties. The parties may also make requests for evidence, present evidence and participate in the actions conducted in the proceedings (hearing of witnesses or expert witnesses, inspection of items, etc.). 

The pre-trail proceedings usually end with: 

• the filing of an indictment with the court, 

• the filing of an application to convict and impose penalties agreed with the suspect (the suspect may negotiate the terms of his/her conviction – i.e., penalties – with the prosecutor), 

• the discontinuation of the proceedings or, 

• a refusal to initiate them. 

Other procedural decisions are also possible in exceptional cases. 

Court proceedings 

Composition of the panel 

Court proceedings in Poland are in most cases conducted by professional judges. 

As a rule, the court decides cases by a single judge. This means that there is only one professional judge at the hearing. This rule applies to proceedings before the court of first instance, which is in principle the district court. In felony cases, at first instance, two lay judges (ławnicy) decide together with a professional judge. Cases involving offences punishable by life imprisonment are tried by two professional judges and three lay judges. 

Competent court 

Less serious misdemeanours like theft or drink driving are heard by district courts (Sąd Rejonowy). The Regional Courts (Sąd Okręgowy) rule in the first instance on felonies (murder, manslaughter or forgery) and misdemeanours defined by law. 

Proceedings 

Most cases begin with indictment or application to convict and impose penalties agreed with the suspect being brought to the court. 

The presiding judge presides over the trial and ensure that it proceeds properly, ensuring that all relevant circumstances of the case are clarified. After the charge has been laid, the presiding judge instructs the accused, among other things, on his or her rights (to give explanations, remain silent or refuse to answer questions, ask for evidence).  

The presiding judge will ask you whether you plead guilty to the charge and whether you want to give an explanation and what it is. 

If the accused wishes to give an explanation, an interrogation follows, after which the chairman instructs the accused of his right to ask questions of those being questioned and to explain any evidence. Subsequently, further evidence in the case is taken.  

The trial is adversarial in nature with the prosecution (and sometimes the victim as an auxiliary prosecutor) on one side and the accused (who may be supported by defence counsel) on the other side. However, since the court’s main duty is to establish the truth, it can (and in many cases does) take an active part in the proceedings by taking or seeking evidence. At the end of the trial, the court delivers its judgment. 

Sentencing 

The court may decide to: 

• acquit the accused,  

• discontinue the proceedings,  

• conditionally discontinue the proceedings – in such a case, the court imposes certain obligations on the accused (in particular the obligation to repair the damage suffered by the victim; it may also place the accused on probation) and conditionally discontinues the criminal proceedings for a period of 1 to 3 years, which may be resumed, especially if the accused commits another offence during that time, 

• convict the accused. 

Appellate proceedings 

The judgment of the court of first instance may be appealed. 

The appeal is heard by either the Regional Court or the Court of Appeal, depending on whether the case was heard by the District Court or the District Court in the first instance. The appeal proceedings usually consist of a single hearing at which the arguments of the parties are presented. However, it is increasingly common for courts of second instance to decide to take additional evidence in addition to that presented before the court of first instance. 

Having considered the arguments of the parties (and, if need be, also additional evidence), the court of second instance may uphold the conviction, overturn the conviction and discontinue the proceedings, order a retrial or change the sentence.  

Cassation appeal 

• The first two types of judgments are final and subject to appeal by way of a cassation appeal or a request for the reopening of proceedings. 
• If the second-instance court upholds the judgment of the first-instance court sentencing the accused to a custodial sentence without conditional suspension or imposes such a sentence on the accused, the accused may file a cassation appeal to the Supreme Court. 
• If the verdict of the court of second instance does not concern a custodial sentence without conditional suspension of its execution, the accused may request the Minister of Justice, the Prosecutor General or the Ombudsman to file a cassation appeal against such a verdict (a cassation appeal is available against any final court decision ending the proceedings). 
• The Supreme Court may either dismiss the cassation appeal or overturn the judgment and refer the case for retrial, discontinue the proceedings or acquit the accused. 

Reopening of proceedings 

• In addition to filing a cassation complaint, it is also possible to file a motion to reopen proceedings that have ended with a final judgment. This can be done, for example, in the case of a crime committed in connection with the proceedings or the emergence of new facts or evidence indicating that the person convicted of a crime did not commit the crime. 

Enforcement proceedings  

A final and binding judgment is subject to enforcement. The Executive Criminal Code sets out the conditions for the serving and execution of fines, restriction of liberty and imprisonment, including probation or electronic supervision. Enforcement proceedings are conducted by the court and the police and other enforcement authorities implement court decisions. 

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. 

First steps and the essentials on what you need to know about your rights, obligations and measures you may be subject to in the proceedings 

What should happen after you are arrested 

Grounds for detention 

The police may detain a person if they suspect that he or she may have committed a crime and that: 

• such person may flee or hide; or, 

• traces of the crime may have been removed; or, 

• a person’s identity cannot be established; or, 

there are grounds to deal with a suspect in an expedited manner (i.e. when he or she is caught in the act or immediately afterwards). 

Period of detention 

Detention can last a maximum of 48 hours. During this time, law enforcement authorities should perform the necessary actions with the suspect including release, unless a decision is made to transfer the detainee to the disposal of the court with a request for pre-trial detention, which the court must consider within the next 24 hours. 

Charges 

A person becomes a suspect in a proceeding when charges are brought against such a person by a prosecutor or, in the case of an inquiry (rather than an investigation), by the Police (or other similar body, such as the Internal Security Agency or the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau).  The decision to bring charges must include the details of the suspect, a detailed description of the offence the suspect is alleged to have committed, grounds for bringing the charges, and the relevant provisions of criminal law that have been violated. In pre-trial proceedings, the charges (which include a description of the alleged crime and its legal qualification) may be included in the record of the suspect’s interrogation. 

The suspect will be interviewed by the prosecutor or the Police (or one of the similar authorities), but before that, they must be instructed in writing of their rights.  These are e.g. the right to legal representation by a defence counsel, right to give explanations, right to refuse to reply to questions asked or to refuse to give any explanations at all (right to remain silent), right to present or demand evidence.  Nevertheless, the Police or the Public Prosecutors Office can require the suspect to undergo a medical, psychiatric or psychological examination or an examination of their body not infringing his bodily integrity or take their fingerprints and photographs and the suspect has to comply with that. The suspect is also obliged to appear before the authorities when summoned and to inform the authorities of every change of their residence or stay lasting longer than seven days, also if they are deprived of liberty in another case. The suspect will be asked to sign a document containing information on the suspect’s rights, which becomes proof that he or she has been appropriately notified of those rights.  

After the interview the suspect will be asked to sign their statements. 

The suspect may request written reasons for the decision on charges. 

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

After you are charged – your rights in preparatory proceedings and in trial 

Once you have been charged, you become a suspect who is a party to the pre-trial proceedings and therefore has a wide range of rights and guarantees, including: the right to a public defender if you cannot afford to hire a privately financed defence counsel, to give an explanation or to refuse to give an explanation (remain silent) or to refuse to answer particular questions, you can demand evidence, present evidence and give explanations about particular evidence, and participate in interrogations. You also have the right to the free assistance of an interpreter. Before the first interrogation, you should be informed of these rights in writing in a language you understand. You should also receive the decision on the charges, and later the indictment, translated into that language. You enjoy these rights also during the trial.  

Preventive measures 

Preventive measures may be applied to the suspect/accused, which include, in particular, pre-trial detention, bail, police supervision and a ban on leaving the country. These may be applied by the authorities (public prosecutor or court; except for pre-trial detention, which may only be ordered by the court) when the evidence indicates a high probability that the suspect/accused has committed an offence. These measures are imposed to safeguard the proceedings and, exceptionally, to prevent the committing of a new and serious crime. Decisions to impose any and all precautionary measures on the suspect/accused may be challenged. 

Pre-trial detention (tymczasowe aresztowanie) 

General information 

Pre-trial detention is the most severe measure to protect the progress of proceedings and should be used when other measures such as bail, police supervision, etc. are insufficient. Pre-trial detention may be applied after the presentation of charges in pre-trial proceedings and during the trial before the court. 

Pre-trial detention is only used by the court when there is a danger that the suspect or accused will disrupt the proceedings by, for example, tampering with evidence or attempting to influence witnesses.  At the pre-trial stage, the court decides at the request of the prosecution whether the suspect will be remanded in custody.  During the trial, however, the court may reconsider its earlier decision and, for example, release a previously arrested suspect on bail or revoke bail if the suspect has previously been released on bail. If the suspect or defendant is not subject to pre-trial detention, e.g. is released on bail, he or she is obliged to comply with the bail conditions. 

Specific grounds for pre-trial detention (and other preventive measures) 

The basic ground for temporary arrest is the abovementioned high probability, based on evidence, that an offence has been committed by the suspect or accused. Additionally, however, at least, one of the following conditions must be met: 

• suspicion that the suspect / accused may escape or hide (especially if he / she does not have a place of permanent residence or his / her personal data are unknown); 

• suspicion that the suspect / accused will tamper with the evidence, or attempt to influence witnesses, or otherwise obstruct the proceedings; 

• high penalty (applies if the suspect/accused is charged with a serious offence punishable by at least 8 years’ imprisonment or has been sentenced in first instance to at least 3 years’ imprisonment); 

• reasonable suspicion that the suspect / accused charged with a felony or intentional misdemeanour will commit an offence against life, health or public security, especially if he / she threatened to do so. 

Decision on pre-trial detention  

The court order must contain the details of the suspect or accused, a precise description of the offence the person is suspected of having committed, the applicable laws, the period of detention and the last day of pre-trial detention. 

Period of pre-trial detention 

In pre-trial proceedings, pre-trial detention should not last longer than 3 months, but can be extended up to 2 years, including the period of detention during trial. 

After 2 years of pre-trial detention, only the Court of Appeal may extend the detention. Pre-trial detention can last until the beginning of the prison sentence or until the end of the 2nd year of the sentence.  

If the person subject to pre-trial detention is sentenced to a custodial sentence, the period of pre-trial detention counts towards the overall length of the sentence. However, if at the end of the period of pre-trial detention the suspect/accused has not been sentenced to a custodial sentence, the suspect/accused may leave the detention centre. 

Bail 

Bail may be applied by the prosecutor when there is no need for temporary arrest. Bail may be submitted by the suspect / accused or other person. However, the amount of bail cannot come from funds destined for such purpose. The amount of bail is decided by the prosecutor based on the financial situation of suspect / accused, damage inflicted by the offence and type of the offence. 

The FCDO cannot transfer bail funds. 

Supervision of the Police 

The suspect/accused person may be placed under Police supervision. The person may be subject to a prohibition on leaving the place of residence, an obligation to report to the Police at specified intervals and to inform the Police of any intended departure and the date of return. It may also consist of a prohibition to contact the victim or other persons, an obligation to keep a certain distance from particular persons (e.g. the victim) or a prohibition to stay in certain places. 

Ban on leaving the country and holding of a passport 

Where there is a reasonable suspicion that the accused may abscond, a preventive measure in the form of a prohibition on leaving the country may be imposed. This prohibition may be combined with the seizure of a passport or other document authorising the accused to cross the border or with the refusal to issue such a document. 

Legal assistance 

If you wish to hire a private lawyer, see for a list of English-speaking lawyers.  

Reaching the end of your sentence 

Early release 

The Regional Court may apply conditional early release only if the statutory prerequisites, indicated in the Penal Code, are jointly met: 

• The convict has served at least half of the sentence imposed. In the case of convicts sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment, conditional early release will be possible after serving 15 years. For those sentenced to life imprisonment, this institution will be possible after serving 25 years of the sentence. A multiple offender will be able to apply for conditional early release after serving at least 2/3 of the sentence, and in the case of multiple recidivism - after serving at least 3/4 of the sentence. 

• The circumstances of the case support the application of conditional early release. The court assesses the situation of the convicted person, the circumstances of the offence, the behaviour after the offence was committed.  

Conditional release from prison is subject to probation. As a rule, the probationary period for conditional early release is the time remaining until the end of the sentence, but not less than 2 years and not more than 5. However, there are exceptions to this rule as well. In the case of so-called multi-recidivism, the probation period may not be shorter than 3 years, and in the case of sentences of 25 years imprisonment or life imprisonment - 10 years. 

The conditional release is decided by the penitentiary court in whose jurisdiction the convicted person is held. A request for conditional release may be submitted by the convicted person, his/her defence counsel, the Prison Director, the professional probation officer or the Public Prosecutor. A court fee (PLN 45) must be paid when applying for conditional early release. Convicted prisoners without financial means may apply to the court for the exemption of from this fee. 

Transfer to another prison within Poland 

A transfer to another prison is possible. You should submit a request to the Prison Director in which you are currently detained. 

Circumstances justifying transfer to another prison include, among others: a change of the purpose of the prison, overcrowding, inmate’s employment or studies, the need for specialised medical care, family reasons, security considerations, etc.  

Transfer to a prison in the UK 

A foreigner who has been validly sentenced by a Polish court may apply for the enforcement of the sentence against them in a foreign country.  

To transfer to the UK, you must: 

• be a British citizen or have close family ties with the UK (normally through permanent residence in the UK), 

• not be awaiting trial, 

• have exhausted all appeals against your conviction and/or the length of your sentence; or have waived your right to an appeal, 

• have at least 6 months of your sentence left to serve when you apply for transfer, 

• have no outstanding fines or other non-custodial penalties. 

The offence you were convicted for must also be a criminal offence in the part of the UK you wish to be transferred to: England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.  

The authorities in the sentencing country may refuse your request. Even if the sentencing country agrees to your transfer, the UK authorities may also refuse your request. Reasons for this might include if you have not lived in the UK for a number of years and you have no close family living there.  

Release and deportation 

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 arrange an appointment with their Resettlement Team when you first arrive back in UK. They can help with for advice, 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 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 

In-country NGO’s 

The Pomost foundation has been implementing a number of activities related to the broadly understood socio-professional reintegration of people at risk of social exclusion, especially former prisoners since 2012. The organisation conducts support groups and preventative classes in prisons (Jastrzębie-Zdrój, Mysłowice, Gliwice, Zabrze, Wojkowice) and the Social Readaptation Centre (SOR) for former  prisoners in Zabrze, including a consultation point for people leaving prison and their families. 

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  

Glossary of terms 

Useful legal terms 

Key phrases – English into Polish 

suspect (podejrzany) – a person to whom an accusation statement has been issued during initial  proceedings. 

accused (oskarżony) – a person becomes an accused when he or she is charged before the court. 

accusation statement (postanowienie o przedstawieniu zarzutów) – in initial proceedings a statement containing details of the suspect and the crime of which he or she is accused and legal grounds is issued by the Police or the Public Prosecutors Office to the suspect (a person becomes a suspect after the accusation statement is issued). 

advocate (awdokat) – a Polish qualified lawyer who under the Polish law is authorized to act in criminal cases. 

arrested – a person who remains in custody on the grounds of a custodial order for temporary arrest issued by the court (postanowienie o tymczasowym aresztowaniu). 

charged (oskarżony) – means an accused, i.e. a person against whom charges (an indictment) were formally presented at the court. 

charges (akt oskarżenia) – an official document (an indictment setting out the charges against the accused) presented to the court by the Public Prosecutors Office containing details of the accused, the crime of which he or she is accused and the legal grounds. 

detained (zatrzymany) – a person held in custody by the Police e.g. at a Police station, without a temporary arrest order (for a maximum of 72 hours). 

district court (sąd rejonowy) - competent to hear cases where less serious crimes have been committed. 

indictment (akt oskarżenia) – an official document presented to the Court by the Public Prosecutors Office which sets out the charges against the accused; for the purposes of this document an “indictment” means “charges”. 

regional court (sąd okręgowy) – competent to hear cases at  first instance where serious crimes have been committed; also hears appeals against orders issued in district courts. 

Key phrases – English into Polish 

How to Pronounce the Polish Alphabet 

It’s best to begin with the basics, so here’s the Polish alphabet which shares the same format as English, but pronounces the letters slightly differently. Take a look at the phonetic tips next to each for how to say each one. 

A	Ah
B	be
t	ce
D	de
E	e
F	ef
G	gie
H	hah
I	ee
J	yot
K	kah
L	el
M	em
N	en
O	oh
P	pe
Q	ku
R	er
S	es
T	te
U	u
V	fau
W	vu
X	ix
Y	eegrek
Z	zet

Useful Polish Expressions 

Here are some useful everyday Polish phrases you’ll find yourself using all the time. Take a look at the following expressions and how to pronounce them. 

Hello!	Dzień dobry! (djen-do-bri)
Hi!	Cześć! (chesch)
Goodbye!	Do widzenia! (do vee-dze-nya)
See you later!	Do zobaczenia! (do-zo-ba-che-nya)
Please?	Proszę? (pro-she)
Thanks!	Dziękuję! (djen-koo-ye)
I am sorry!	Przepraszam! (pshe-pra-sham)

Useful Questions in Polish 

Here are some useful Polish questions to ask when out and about day to day, complete with their pronunciation. However, make sure that you don’t get too comfortable with the first one though! 

Do you speak English?	Czy mówisz po Angielsku? (chy moo-wish poh an-gyel-sku?)
Would you help me please	Poproszę o pomoc (Pop-ro-she o poh-motz)
How much is that?	Ile to kosztuje ? (ee-le toh kosh-tu-jeh)
Could you talk a bit slower?	Proszę mówić wolniej (proshe moovitch pohvolhlee)
Could you repeat that please?	Czy możesz powtórzyć? (chy moh-zesh pow-too-zhych)

Polish Phrases for Emergencies 

If an emergency ever arises you’ll want to be able to express yourself. Therefore it’s important to learn these Polish phrases as you’ll never know when you might need them. 

Help!	Pomocy! (po-mo-tsy)
Hurry up!	Szybciej! (schyb-chiej)
I am ill!	Jestem chory! (yee-stem cho-ry)

The Polish Calendar 

Knowing months and days is a major point on your Polish list to learn. Here’s every day of the week and every month of the year listed with pronunciation. 

Days (dzień) (dzeen) 

Monday	poniedziałek (ponnyedjahweck)
Tuesday	wtorek (ftoreck)
Wednesday	środa (shrohdah)
Thursday	czwartek (chwartec)
Friday	piątek (peantek)
Saturday	sobota (sobota)
Sunday	niedziela (nyedjaylah)

Months (miesiące) (mieesiatche) 

January	styczeń (stichen)
February	luty (lutee)
March	marzec (mahzhets)
April	kwiecień (kvyctchen)
May	maj (maigh)
June	czerwiec (chairvyets)
July	lipiec (leepyets)
August	sierpień (shairpyen)
September	wrzesień (zheshyen)
October	październik (pahzkjairneek)
November	listopad (leestohpaht)
December	grudzień (goodjyen)

How to Count in Polish 

Learning to count in Polish is just as important as learning the alphabet. Here are some vital numbers from 0 to 1000.  

0	Zero (zero)
1	Jeden (yeden)
2	dwa (dva)
3	trzy (chy)
4	cztery (ch’tery)
5	pieęć (pyench)
6	sześć (shescht)
7	siedem (shedem)
8	osiem (oshem)
9	dziewięć (jehvyench)
10	dziesięć (jehshench)
11	jedenaście (yeh-den-asch-che)
12	Dwanaście (dva-nash-che)
13	Trzynaście (chy-nash-che)
14	Czternaście (chter-nash-che)
15	Piętnaście (pyet-nash-che)
16	Szesnaście (shescht-nash-che)
17	Siedemnaście (shedem-nash-che)
18	Osiemnaście (oshem-nash-che)
19	Dziewiętnaście (jeh-vyet-nash-che)
20	Dwadzieścia (dva-jesch-cha)
30	Trzydzieści (chy-jesh-chi)
40	Czterdzieści (chter-jesh-chi)
50	Pięćdzesiąt (piet-dziee-siat)
60	Sześćdziesiąt (shesch-dziee-siat)
70	Siedemdziesiąt (sieedem-dziee-siat)
80	Osiemdziesiąt (ooseem-dziee-siat)
90	Dziewięćdziesiąt (jehvyench-dziee-siat)
100	Sto (stoh)
200	Dwieście (dvtesheheh)
300	Trzysta (tree-sta)
400	Czterysta (Chtery-sta)
500	Pięćset (pietch-sett)
1000	Tysiąc (tishawngts)

Annex 

Ombudsman 

Biuletyn Informacji Publicznej RPO - Commissioner for Human Rights 

Prison Service 

Strona główna - Służba Więzienna (sw.gov.pl) 

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://find-a-professional-service-abroad.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/find/lawyers?country=Poland 

List of Private Translators/Interpreters 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/poland-list-of-translators-and-interpreters/poland-list-of-translators 

Prisoners Abroad Forms 

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