Prisoners are only accepted into custody on production of a valid warrant signed by an officer of a court, or other lawful authority. Those escorted from a court or transferred from another establishment will be accompanied by a Prisoner (or Person) Escort Record form. Other documentation relating to the prisoner's identity may include a temporary release licence, licence revocation order, transfer order, or authority to detain under immigration or anti terrorism legislation.
In all cases the staff receiving the prisoner into the establishment will confirm that he or she is the person named on the warrant or other document. If there is any dispute, staff will still take the prisoner into custody, unless there is clear evidence of error, but will endeavour to resolve the issue. Prisoners will be allowed to contact their family or a friend, and their legal representative to seek advice as soon as possible, and will be informed of their right to petition the Secretary of State.
The prisoner’s details will be recorded on his or her personal record, which accompanies the prisoner whenever he or she transfers from one establishment to another, and on the prison's IT system. Any aliases or changes of the prisoner’s name will be cross-referenced in all records. Prisoners are photographed and fingerprinted shortly after arrival in prison, providing further confirmation of their identity.