HMP Wandsworth (London)

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Wandsworth is a large prison in South West London, with a separate vulnerable prisoner unit. It is currently able to hold 1416 prisoners and is the largest prison in London. Alongside Liverpool, which is of similar size, it is one of the largest prisons in Western Europe.

The prison was built in 1851, and the residential areas remain in the original buildings. There has been extensive refurbishment and modernisation of the wings, including in-cell sanitation, privacy screens for cells occupied by more than one prisoner and the more recent installation of in-cell electricity.

Governor: Ian Mulholland

Operational Capacity: 1416 as of 30th June 2005

Accommodation: The Heathfield Centre (main prison) has five wings each with four landings, used as follows:

A wing – Long term prisoners
B Wing – ‘Drug-free' Wing, Voluntary Testing Unit, CARATs (counselling, assessment, referral, advice and through care)
C Wing – Induction Wing and Resettlement Unit
D wing – Assessment and allocation, RAPt (Rehabilitation of Addicted Prisoners Trust 12 step programme)
E wing – Pre-release and immigration detainees & Care and Separation unit
The Onslow Centre (vulnerable prisoners unit) has 3 wings and holds approx. 330 prisoners.
All wings have in-cell sanitation and in-cell electricity is currently being installed throughout the prison.
Reception Criteria: Normal reception arrangements: Wandsworth is a local prison, it accepts all suitable prisoners from courts in its catchment area.