Contact a prisoner
Part of the Prison topic
You can contact a prisoner in a Queensland Prison. Apply to Queensland Corrective Services.
On this page
In short
You can use this service to contact a prisoner by:
- emailing the Email a Prisoner service
- sending a letter or approved photograph by mail
- receiving a phone call from the prisoner. You can’t call them directly.
See How to contact a prisoner for the full application process.
What you should know
All forms of communication with prisoners are subject to review by officers to ensure the prison's security and safety.
If you want to attach photos to your correspondence, you must follow the rules for sending photos to a prisoner.
Who can use this service
You can contact a prisoner if:
- you know the prisoner's name
- you know which prison they are in
- you have the prisoner's Integrated Offender Management System (IOMS) number (required if you're emailing the prisoner).
Don't use this service if:
- you're prohibited from contacting the prisoner by a court order
Instead, contact a legal professional for advice.
How to contact a prisoner
Choose how to contact a prisoner and follow the steps.
Step 1: Sign up for the Email a Prisoner service
- Visit the Email a Prisoner service website.
- Provide proof for your identity and home address (PO Boxes are not accepted).
- Provide the prisoner’s name, their Integrated Offender Management System (IOMS) number and the prison they are located in.
- If you don't know the prisoner's IOMS number, email statewideoperationscommunications@corrections.qld.gov.au with their full name and date of birth.
Step 2: Complete your registration
Once your account is created, you'll receive a confirmation email with a security code. Use the code to finalise your account setup.
Step 3: Send an email
Log in to your Email a Prisoner account and compose and send your email.
You can attach up to 4 photos per email. You must follow rules for sending photos to a prisoner.
Step 4: Review and delivery
Emails are reviewed, printed and delivered by officers to the prisoner.
Delivery can take up to 3 days.
Step 5: Receive a reply (optional)
If you request a reply, the prisoner will be given a reply sheet.
After they write their reply, it will be scanned and emailed to your Email a Prisoner account.
Step 1: Write your letter
- You can include letters and family photos that follow the rules for sending photos to a prisoner.
- You can’t send mail that contains unapproved items, such as offensive or inappropriate content.
- If approved, you may also include reading material.
Step 2: Send your mail
- Address your letter to the prisoner at their prison.
- Include their IOMS number.
- Make sure your return address is included.
Step 3: Mail is reviewed
- All mail is searched for items that are not allowed in prison.
- Mail can be censored when authorised by the prison's General Manager.
- Any mail considered to be a security risk may be seized.
You can’t call a prisoner directly, but in emergency situations you can contact the prison and ask that a message be passed on to the prisoner.
You must follow these steps to receive phone calls from a prisoner.
Step 1: Be added to the approved call list
The prisoner must request to add you to their approved call list.
An officer will contact you to get your permission.
Step 2: Receive calls
Once you’ve been added to the approved call list the prisoner can call you.
Your calls will be recorded for security purposes.
How long it takes
- Emails can take up to 3 days to be delivered.
- Mail delivery depends on postal services and the prison's processing times.
- Phone call approval times vary depending on the prison's processes.
How much it costs
- Email a Prisoner service: costs apply, see the Email a Prisoner website.
- Mail: standard postage applies.
- Phone calls: the prisoner is responsible for the call costs.
Managed by: Queensland Corrective Services