Isle of Man Prison
| Location | Jurby, Isle of Man |
|---|---|
| Status | Operational |
| Security class | Medium Security |
| Capacity | 144 |
| Opened | August 14, 2008 |
| Managed by | Isle of Man Prison Service |
| Governor | Bob McColm |
Isle of Man Prison is a mixed-use prison located in the Jurby parish of the Isle of Man. The prison is operated by the Isle of Man Prison Service (part of the Department of Home Affairs) and is the only functioning prison on the island.
History
From 1891 the prison population of the Isle of Man was held at the Victoria Road Prison in Douglas. Although expanded many times over the course of its history, overcrowding at the prison was a recurring problem from the 1990s onwards, and the prison was regularly criticised for its limited and outdated facilities. In 2005 Tynwald approved the construction of a new prison on the site of the former RAF Jurby to replace the old prison in Douglas.[1]
Construction of the prison was largely carried out by local contractors from the island, though all of the cellular accommodation was constructed using pre-formed cast concrete panels, which were shipped to the island from a specialist manufacturer by sea and transported by road to Jurby. In order that the prison might fit harmoniously into its environment, the prison grounds were landscaped, with ongoing maintenance by supervised, trusted prisoners.[2]
Construction of the new prison was due to be completed in December 2007, but because of poor weather, Christmas holidays and testing of equipment and security systems, that deadline was not reached. The Isle of Man Prison Service subsequently took control of the new prison site in late January 2008, with the prison becoming fully operational on August 14. As of January 2008, construction of the £41.7m facility was the Isle of Man Government's largest capital project.[3]
In October 2011, an inspection report from the Chief Inspector of Prisons called for significant improvements to be made at Isle of Man Prison. The report revealed high reoffending rates, illegal drug use and a lack of activity for inmates as causes for concern. However the report praised the prison buildings and the very good staff-prisoner relationships at the gaol.[4]
The prison today
All inmates at Isle of Man Prison are located in single cells equipped with a toilet and washing facilities. There are separate units for remand and convicted prisoners as well as units for female prisoners, young offenders and vulnerable prisoners, as well as a segregation unit. The prison offers health, welfare and administration facilities, a visitors’ centre and parking areas.[5]
A variety of educational and vocational training is available to inmates at the prison, including painting and decorating, joinery, and plumbing skills, with additional courses in basic literacy and numeracy, information technology, arts and crafts, music, PSHE and general academic subjects provided by tutors from the Isle of Man College. Inmates who study catering and industrial cleaning may work towards National Vocational Qualifications.[6]
Notable inmates
References
- ↑ "Prison History - Isle of Man Prison Service". Gov.im. 2008-08-14. Retrieved 2012-06-18.
- ↑ "New Prison - Isle of Man Prison Service". Gov.im. Retrieved 2012-06-18.
- ↑ "Europe | Isle of Man | New prison not ready for inmates". BBC News. 2008-01-14. Retrieved 2012-06-18.
- ↑ "BBC News - 'Improvements needed' at Isle of Man Prison". Bbc.co.uk. 2011-10-05. Retrieved 2012-06-18.
- ↑ "Healthcare | Projects". Hoare Lea. Retrieved 2012-06-18.
- ↑ "Education and training - Isle of Man Prison Service". Gov.im. Retrieved 2012-06-18.
External links
Coordinates: 54°21′21″N 4°31′44″W / 54.3559°N 4.5288°W