HMP Wakefield

HMP Wakefield is a high-security prison for men typically in security categories A and B. It is one of eight high security prisons within the prison estate.

HMP Wakefield was originally built as a house of correction in 1594. Its long and illustrious history has been documented in a superb publication called ‘Round the Mulberry Bush' written by a previous governor.

The current prison was designated a ‘dispersal' prison in 1966 (the longest of the remaining original group). It is now a main lifer centre with the focus on serious sex offenders. The average prison roll is approximately 700 including a maximum of 100 Category A and 10 High Risk Category A prisoners.

Wakefield houses a Close Supervision Centre (CSC). The unit is a small therapeutic centre aiming to provide a supportive, safe, structured and consistent environment for some of the Prison Services' most challenging prisoners.

Governor: David Thompson

Operational Capacity: 565 as of 28th January 2005

Reception criteria: Prisoners serving over five years primarily for sexual offences or those who have previously committed sexual offences. Preferably those prisoners who are willing to participate in offence-focused treatment activities.

Accommodation: Victorian radial block design with single occupancy cells with integral sanitation.