# What to expect in a visiting room

Most detention centres and all prisons have visiting rooms with seating areas, which are located away from the living areas or wings. 

Some centres or prisons insist on particular seating arrangements, such as the person you are visiting sitting at a particular table and in a particular chair. This might be very close to other people including guards. Other centres or prisons will allow you to sit where you and the person you are visiting feel most comfortable.

You may be able to buy snacks and drinks from a vending machine, and there may be a play corner for children.The level of supervision and the ambiance will vary from one detention centre or prison to another.

### **Ensuring privacy**

Privacy is really important for having meaningful conversations and building relationships of trust. The Detention Centre Rules state that visits should take place “out of hearing of an officer unless the Secretary of State otherwise directs”.  If you or the person you are visiting is concerned that you are being overheard, you could request to move to a different location in the visits hall, although this may not be granted depending on the centre. 

Given the size of visits halls and presence of guards it can be difficult to be sure your conversation is private, and it is important to recognise that this might impact what someone wants to discuss with you.

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