The Western Heights on which the Centre is situated has been a fortified area since Roman times. The present buildings occupy the site of fortifications commenced in Napoleonic times to counter the threat of a French invasion. Dover is an English Heritage site.
The fortress was converted into a prison in 1952. In 1957 Dover become a Borstal. It continued to hold young offenders as a Borstal, YCC and YOI until April 2002, when it was re-designated as an Immigration Removal Centre operating under Detention Centre Rules 2001.
Dover is run by the Prison Service holding appellant and failed asylum seekers in secure conditions for the Immigration Service. It is a national resource holding male adult detainees aged 18 years and over allocated by the Detention Estate Population Management Unit based at Feltham, London.
A UK Border Agency Manager and team are based on site to liaise with case owners, the Port Authorities and detainees. They see all new detainees and deal with applications on a daily basis. Regular updates are provided to detainees on the status of their cases. They can be contacted via the main Centre address.
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of Dover Immigration removal Centre shall be to provide for the secure but humane accommodation of detained persons in a relaxed regime with as much freedom of movement and association as possible, consistent with providing a safe and secure environment, and to encourage and assist detained persons to make the most productive use of their time, whilst respecting in particular their dignity and right to individual expression.
