HMP Dorchester (Dorchester, Dorset)

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Dorchester is a local prison serving the Crown and Magistrates' courts in Dorset and some in Somerset.

The present buildings are of a typical Victoria design with wings radiating from a central hub with galleried landings.

The population varies from day to day with roughly half being remands and half convicted prisoners.



Accommodation: Cells and some small dormitories.

Operational capacity: 260 as of 30th November 2006

Reception criteria: The prison receives adult males and young adult male prisoners direct from the Crown Courts at Dorchester Poole and Bournemouth and associated magistrates' courts.

Regime: An Intensive Drug Strategy is delivered by a multi-agency and disciplinary team. The following initiatives are delivered:

IDTS – Clinical and psychosocial support for prisoners substance withdrawal
CARATS – Counselling, Assessment, Referral, Advice and Throughcare service
DIP – Drug Intervention Programme
SDP – Short Duration Programme (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
VDT – Voluntary Drug Testing
MDT – Mandatory Drug Testing