Prisoners do not generally stay long-term in Winson Green; convicted prisoners are usually dispersed to other prisons; however, some category D prisoners are retained and employed as trustees; the current capacity is around 1400.

In February 2011, 39 prisoners serving indeterminate public protection sentences were being held at HMP Birmingham despite the lack of specialist officers and training facilities (News Archive 13/02/11).

In May 2011, a Freedom of Information Request revealed that £7 million was invested in structural repairs and improvements at HMP Birmingham in the 5 years prior to privatisation (News Archive 03/05/11).

In July 2011, G4S announced that it will axe up to 123 full-time jobs, mainly in management and administrative positions, when it takes over the operation of HMP Birmingham in October 2011 (News Archive 03/0711).

The prison has a long frontage on Winson Green Road on the A4040 Outer Circle. It is also flanked by Lodge Road, the Soho Loop of the Birmingham and Wolverhampton Canal and All Saints Park.

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Each cell block consists of a long open hall with three floors of cells built into the side walls. The ground floor cells are "the ones", the first floor cells are "the twos" and the second floor cells are "the threes".

The "twos" and "threes" are reached by staircases and balconies.

The cells are approximately 4 metres long, 3 metres high and 2 metres wide. They are lit by narrow slits on the rear walls, some of which have been replaced by proper windows.

Each cell contains a toilet and washbasin and is occupied by two adult male prisoners who must wash and eat their meals there. Many prisoners spend up to 23 hours a day in their cells awaiting trial or dispersal to another gaol.

However, staff shortages and high prisoner turnover, particularly of high-risk unassessed offenders, can mean that many prisoners may not have meaningful access to education while at HMP Birmingham.

Most prisoners will be escorted to the library at least once a week.

Most prisoners will therefore get the opportunity to regularly visit the gym although staff shortages and security issues may mean that many sessions are cancelled.

In particular, most prisoners remain confined for at least 20 hours a day in cramped Victorian cells, often infested with ants & cockroaches, and with poor toilet, ventilation, laundry, washing & eating facilities

A 40-year-old inmate was found hanged in his cell on Saturday 25/09/10 (News Archive 26/09/10).

Visitors must generally book at least 24 hours in advance and must arrive at the Visiting Centre at least 30 minutes before the appointed time.

Visitors must have a pin code sent by the prisoner and must provide identification.

Visitors will be photographed at the Visitors Centre; coats and other property must be stored in lockers before the visit; only certain items such as loose change and keys may be taken into the visiting room.

Visitors should call the prison on 0121 345 2500 for more information

 (1) the son/daughter of the prisoner;

(2) the brother/sister of the prisoner accompanied by a parent/guardian;

 (3) the son/daughter of the visitor.

Identification, generally in the form of a birth certificate, will be required. Visitors should call the prison on 0121 345 2500 for more information.

It is castellated with a round-arch and flanking polygonal turrets.

The A41 Soho Road is connected to Junction 1 of the M5 and to Junction 6 of the M6 via New John Street West (A4540) and the Aston Expressway (A38M).

There is a visitors car park at the prison.

Cabs may also be booked on 0121 773 2999, 0121 773 6666, 0121 772 1543.