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(Clockwise) Sniffer dog, toys in the visitors' centre and the visits area

Prison visits

Facilities for visitors vary, but many prisons have a waiting area with basic amenities.

Prison staff make sure that a visit is allowed and that visitors have the right paperwork.

At Chelmsford Prison, a sniffer dog checks that visitors are not carrying drugs.

Most visits take place in a designated room.

Family visits, with toys and a play area for children, are held once a month.