- Dorchester (HM Prison)
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HMP Dorchester Opened 1800s Management HM Prison Service Prison type Adult Male/Local Prisoner figures 252 (August 2008) Location Dorchester, Dorset Governor Steve Hodson Information www.justice.gov.uk HM Prison Dorchester is a local men's prison, located in Dorchester in Dorset, England. The prison is operated by Her Majesty's Prison Service.
Contents
History
Erected during the 19th century, the prison buildings are a typical Victorian design.
In 2006, it was revealed that 25% of random drug tests on inmates had proven positive. Though cannabis was the most commonly detected drug, a substantial amount of inmates had tested positive for opiates such as heroin.[1]
In 2007 the Prison Reform Trust said that prison staff were "battling against overwhelming odds in old and overcrowded premises", after an inspection report from Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons said there were too many inmates there, and too little investment in prison buildings and facilities. The report also criticised the lack of work opportunites for inmates.[2] Conditions improved to an extent, and the prison was awarded ‘Most Improved Prison for 2008'.
The prison today
Dorchester Prison holds adult males and young adult males from Dorchester, Poole and Bournemouth Crown Courts, as well as Magistrates' courts in Dorset and some in Somerset. The prison population is made up of roughly half convicted prisoners, and half remanded inmates.
Dorchester Prison's education department offers courses such as Catering and industrial cleaning. The physical education department also offers recognised qualifications for some heath and training programmes, as well recreational activities. Other facilities for inmates at the prison include a library and chaplaincy support.
See also
References
External links
Coordinates: 50°43′01″N 2°26′15″W / 50.7169°N 2.4374°W
Prisons in South West England Active Ashfield · Bristol · Channings Wood · Dartmoor · Dorchester · Eastwood Park · Erlestoke · Exeter · Gloucester · Guys Marsh · Leyhill · Portland · Shepton Mallet · The Verne
Defunct Categories:- Category B prisons in England
- Category C prisons in England
- Prisons in Dorset
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