Written question asked by Mark Oaten (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 20 February 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 23 February 2007. It was answered by Gerry Sutcliffe (Labour) on Tuesday, 27 February 2007 on behalf of the Home Office.

Witnesses: Protection

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what mechanisms are in place to prevent prisoners sending threatening letters to the victims of their crimes.

Answer: [holding answer 23 February 2007]: All prisoners’ correspondence is subject to monitoring and interception protocols laid out in the Prison Service’s national security framework, and may be stopped from leaving the prison. The level and frequency of such monitoring is proportionate to any risk identified.Prisoners are generally not permitted to write to the victims of their offences without the authorisation of the governor. Letters which the governor deems may add to the distress or hurt of the victim or their family are withheld.A confidential helpline operated by the National Offender Management Service is available for victims to report any unwanted contact from prisoners. Details can be found on the Prison Service website.

Secondary information