- Morton Hall (HM Prison)
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HMP Morton Hall Opened 1985 Management HM Prison Service Prison type Adult Female/Semi-open Prisoner figures 392 (October 2006) Location Morton Hall, Lincolnshire Governor Jamie Bennett Information www.justice.gov.uk HM Prison Morton Hall is a women's semi-open prison, located in the village of Morton Hall (near Lincoln) in Lincolnshire, England. The prison is operated by Her Majesty's Prison Service.
Contents
History
Morton Hall was originally the site of an RAF base, which was converted into a prison and opened in 1985. It was expanded in 1996, and refitted to become a semi-open women's prison in 2001. Two ready to use units were opened in 2002, increasing overall capacity. From that time Morton Hall has been developing as a prison holding a high percentage of foreign nationals.
In January 2004, Morton became the first prison in England (along with HMP Kirkham) to trial the Intermittent Custody Scheme. The scheme saw some inmates held at Morton Hall from Monday to Friday (released at weekends), while another set of prisoners were held on Saturdays and Sundays (released during the week). The scheme was designed to allow prisoners on short sentences to remain in employment, independent housing and maintain family ties during their jail terms.[1] The scheme was subsequently abandoned in November 2006.[2]
In May 2004, a report from the Prison Reform Trust called for more facilities and support for foreign prisoners held at Morton Hall. The Trust noted improvements at the jail, but stated that more resources and staff training were needed to improve the regime at Morton Hall.[3]
The prison today
Morton Hall is a women's semi-open prison, holding a high percentage of foreign nationals. In addition the prison has a resettlement unit for prisoners coming to the end of their sentence, who are settling in the UK. Accommodation at the prison comprises units with single occupancy rooms.
The education department at the prison provides courses in areas such as Business Studies, ICT, ESOL, Hairdressing, Art and Design Catering, Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism. Most courses can lead to NVQ qualifications in related fields.
HMP Morton Hall will be re-rolled from May 2011 as an Immigration Removal Centre for men awaiting deportation, this will be inconjunction with UKBA (United Kingdom Border Agency).
References
- ^ Allison, Eric (26 January 2004). "'Home and away' prison trial begins". London: guardian.co.uk. http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2004/jan/26/ukcrime.prisonsandprobation. Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "'Weekend prison' scheme scrapped". bbc.co.uk. 02 November 2006. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lincolnshire/3752405.stm. Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "Foreign inmates 'need more help'". bbc.co.uk. 27 May 2004. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lincolnshire/3752405.stm. Retrieved 2008-12-18.
External links
Coordinates: 53°10′04″N 0°41′14″W / 53.1678°N 0.6871°W
Prisons in the East Midlands Active Foston Hall · Gartree · Glen Parva · Leicester · Lincoln · Lowdham Grange · Morton Hall · North Sea Camp · Nottingham · Onley · Ranby · Rye Hill · Stocken · Sudbury · Wellingborough · Whatton
Defunct Categories:- Prisons in Lincolnshire
- Women's prisons in England
- 1985 establishments in England
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