Rochester prison was originally built in 1874 on a former military site above the Medway river. It was rebuilt in the early 20th 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 it became a remand centre for the Kent courts and sentenced category C and D adult males. Further changes in 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 2002 Rochester became a dedicated site for sentenced young men aged between 18 and 21.
In September 2008 the Establishment opened a further four accommodation units as part of an expansion programme, increasing the population by 300 Young Offenders.
Address:
1 Fort Road
Rochester
Kent
ME1 3QS
Tel: 01634 803100
Fax: 01634 803101
Governor: John Wilson
Accommodation: Mixture of single, double and some treble accommodation cells contained on 3 Victorian style wings and a further 1960's residential unit of mixed occupancy accommodation. Four further modular build units containing double and single accommodation, including a Resettlement Unit.
Operational capacity: 620 as of 15th May 2009
Reception criteria: Convicted sentenced young offenders serving up to 6 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.
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