HMP Rochester

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Rochester was originally built as a prison in 1874 on a former military site above the Medway river. It was extensively rebuilt in the early years of this century as the Borstal Institution taking its title from an adjacent village. Its pioneering methods in dealing with young men and boys were used as a model for the creation of other borstal institutions which were given statutory authority in 1908 and lasted until their abolition in 1983, when Rochester converted to a youth custody centre.

In 1988 the prison changed its role to operate as a remand centre for the Kent courts and sentenced category C and D adult males. Further changes to its role resulted in a mixed site holding immigration detainees, a resettlement unit for adult male prisoners at the end of their sentences and a remand and allocation centre for under 21 year old males.

In January 2002 Rochester re-rolled to a dedicated site for sentenced young men up to the age of 21.

Governor: John Wilson

Accommodation: Mixture of single and double accommodation cells contained on 3 Victorian style wings and a further residential unit of single cell accommodation which is used as an Induction Unit.

Operational capacity: 392 as of 17th October 2006

Reception criteria: Convicted sentenced young offenders serving less than 4 years.

Regime: Work and activity based regime consisting of offending behaviour, education, drug rehab, NVQ based work places, weekend and evening association with access to gymnasium and sports related activities. Various Chapel based courses.