Dr John Monro, MD, FRCPsych,

499 Cleckheaton Street,

London W17 5OX.

T: 020 999 1111

F: 020 999 6666

JMonro@499cleck.com

www.xxx.co.uk

My ref: JM/AB/VISITS

… 2011

The Head of Security,

HMP …

Dear Sir/Madam

Re:

Arrangements have been made for me to visit the above named, in order to prepare a report in connection with … [criminal/court] proceedings. The visit has been arranged for the morning/afternoon of … 2011.

In order to record the consultation electronically, access my own files related to the prisoner and access instruments used in the process of psychiatric assessment, I wish to bring with me my laptop computer. I am aware of widely varying policies and procedures in HM Prison Service hospitals relating to laptop computers and seek by this preliminary correspondence to avoid difficulties arising on the day of the visit. On several occasions I have been advised in advance that I can bring my laptop with me but this has been refused on the day of the visit, causing delays at the gate in a number of cases and a completely wasted visit in one case.

I have been a visiting consultant psychiatrist at HMP Newgate, London, for more than 20 years and I have been familiarised with precautions necessary for security. My proof of identity on visits to prisons is my Prison Service identification card. I am aware of the risks posed to prison security by unauthorised material on laptop computers and their unauthorised use. I acknowledge that various procedures are necessary in order to avoid such and I am willing to comply with such procedures.

The following information is provided in order to assist in consideration of my application to bring my laptop into the prison. The laptop is a …, bearing the serial number…. The general description of the laptop is: … screen case with silver hinges. The system is password protected and the screensaver is password protected. It does/does not have an internal modem.