WORKSHOP
On Writing to political prisoners and Supporting them and the ins and outs of visiting prisons in Victoria

Writing to prisoners consists of just sending a simple card stating who you are and what your interests are. They send one back and keep in contact. If you don't hear from any prisoners wait a while then send another. Cards are good. Don't send pictures of nudity or talk about protest actions you might attend or acts of violence. This could jepodize you or the prisoners. Sometimes prisoners don't respond because of the influx of letters. Maybe something is going on internally in the prison.

Visiting prisons in Victoria

Well, there are alot of things to be aware of. Be careful what you say in visiting rooms. Visiting your friend in reception is another issue. Don't talk about drugs, acts of violence rallies etc or other arrestees. You don't know who's listening. Also don't disclose any information about the person you visited in or after visiting the prison. I know it sounds like there's a lot of things that can't be done but it is important that you and your fellow prisoner are safe from the authorities.

Now there are several prisons that have different security devices extra. Melbourne assessment prison has iris scans. In the entrance you have to get your eye scanned. the first time you visit they take an inferred photo of your iris and then you go into this glass box like a tardis in doctor who. Then you put your eye in the roundish camera and then the door opens when it identifies you in a robot voice. It says: you are identified. Also you go in another glass tardis where these puffs of air come out. it is weird. This is a drug and weapons testing device. Note: don't smoke pot before going to visit a mate inside and wear new clothes and wash your hair. This is important because the machine
could detect drugs on your clothes, skin and hair.

Port phillip prison have hand scans. it's an older system. Strip searches and dogs are used. well this is a hard one, especially from experience. Basically keep your cool in strip searches. Don't give the authorities any energy by getting pissed off with them. It is a humiliating experience but you have to go through it if you want to see your fellow bro or sis inside.

Anarchist Black Cross Melbourne.
P.o. box 300 Brunswick East 3057

**THE JAILS ARE THE REAL CRIME!!**

**FOR A WORLD WITHOUT PRISONS!!**