HMP Brixton (London)

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The original buildings date from 1819. In 1862 the prison was sold to the Government and converted into a prison for females. Twenty years later it was again converted, this time as a military prison, and in 1898, when it was returned to the Prison Commissioners, the buildings were enlarged and improved and made the trial and remand prison for the whole of the London area. The prison now serves a number of courts in South London and houses a mixture of remand and sentenced prisoners.

Governor: Paul McDowell

Accommodation: Four main residential units, plus Healthcare. A wing houses 264 prisoners in 143 cells (mostly doubled, 1 for disabled), B wing houses prisoners in 86 cells some doubled and used mainly for Foreign National prisoners. C wing houses prisoners in 69 cells (all doubled, 1 for disabled) and operates primarily as a centre for drug treatment programmes. Three are currently operating; PASRO, Short Duration Programme and the Nehemiah Course. G wing houses prisoners in 151 cells, 61 doubled, 1 for disabled and has the first night centre and induction unit. D wing has a 26 bed in-patient facility concentrating on acute mental health care.

Operational capacity: 798 as of 24th October 2006

Reception criteria: HMP Brixton's primary role is to serve the local magistrates courts, Inner London and Southwark Crown Courts, holding remand and trial prisoners committed to these courts. Convicted prisoners have an initial interview and are then categorised and allocated to another prison with facilities appropriate to that sentence and prisoner's needs.

Regime: Exercise periods vary according to the wing and its function. There is an IEP scheme in operation. Prisoners can pursue a range of education courses. There are a variety of classes covering areas such as IT, English, Maths, Social and Life Skills and a varied art programme. Most courses lead to nationally recognised qualifications. All take place in a newly refurbished Learning and Skills centre. The gym offers a range of PE and accredited programmes. There are no traditional workshops.

www.justice.gov.uk/contacts/prison-finder/brixton/