Rochester inspection report 2022
Report for Rochester Prison
Summary
HMP and YOI Rochester, the original borstal, is a category C training and resettlement prison for adult men and young offenders in Kent. When we last inspected in 2017, the prison was in a state of flux, with plans to close it just rescinded. At this inspection the situation had changed radically and, far from closure, there was now talk of potential plans to redevelop the site. Whether these plans come to fruition remains to be seen, although as our report shows, a key strategic priority for the prison is the need to end overcrowding and radically improve the condition of the living accommodation in which prisoners were held. The establishment comprises a mix of very old house blocks and some relatively new. All, however, were in a very poor condition.