HM Prison Elmley explained

HMP Elmley
Pushpin Map:Kent
Pushpin Map Caption:Location in Kent
Location:Eastchurch, Kent
Coordinates:51.3884°N 0.8499°W
Classification:Adult Male/Category B&C
Capacity:985[1]
Population:1,252
Population Date:May 2011
Opened:1992
Managed By:HM Prison Services
Governor:Andy Davy [2]

HM Prison Elmley is a local Category B/C men's prison, located close to the village of Eastchurch on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent. The term 'local' means that this prison holds people on remand to the local courts. Elmley once formed part of the Sheppey prisons cluster, which included HMP Standford Hill and HMP Swaleside; it is now a stand-alone establishment.[3] The prison is operated by His Majesty's Prison Service.

History

Elmley is a purpose built prison opened in 1992, and is one of six Bullingdon design prisons in England. A new Category C Unit was opened at the prison in 1997, making Elmley the largest of the three prisons within the Sheppey Cluster.[4]

In 2000, Elmley Prison had a serious infestation of fleas, affecting both inmates and staff at the prison.[5]

In a 2003 report Elmley Prison was praised for making noticeable improvements, despite being overcrowded. However the report also raised concerns about the number of prisoners who were being held two together in cells designed for one. The report also highlighted the lack of resources for dealing with foreign nationals in the prison.[6]

The problem of overcrowding at Elmley Prison was highlighted again in 2004 in a report from the Independent Monitoring Board. The report also criticised Emley for its staff shortages which meant that prisoners had less time out of their cells.[7]

Overcrowding was identified as a key concern again in a report in 2007 on Elmley Prison. His Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons report stated support for prisoners in the early days of custody in Elmley was "seriously compromised" because of "acute population pressures"[8]

In June 2014, three prison officers were assaulted, two receiving serious injuries which required hospital treatment.[9]

In November 2014, a prisoner at the prison had been found dead on the day a damning report highlighted staff shortages and overcrowding at the jail. His death was the seventh in custody at the Kent jail that year.[10] On 3 December 2014, another prisoner was found dead in his cell at the prison – the third in as many weeks.[11]

The prison today

Elmley Prison holds unsentenced and sentenced adult men and unsentenced male young offenders from all of the courts in the county of Kent. Accommodation at the prison comprises five House Blocks holding between 183 and 240 prisoners each in single, double and treble cells. A sixth House Block has recently opened and houses the remaining 282 prisoners.

Education at the prison concentrates on improving key and basic skills as well as Information Technology, Art, ESOL and Employment skills courses. The PE department offers a range of qualifications and in conjunction with Charlton Athletic F.C., offers a range of football qualifications. In addition the prison works with the local primary care trust to offer Health trainer Qualifications and Social Care NVQ.[12]

Daily employment is also available at Elmley in horticulture, environmental services and recycling, production workshops, laundry, industrial cleaning and catering. Vocational training qualifications are offered in virtually all work areas.

There is a staffed visitors centre at Elmley Prison. Facilities include an unsupervised children's play area and a canteen. Canteen facilities also available in visits room.

Notable former inmates

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: HM Chief Inspector of Prisons . Report on an unannounced inspection of HMP Elmley . Justice Inspectorates . Gov UK . 1 October 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20151001200706/https://www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmiprisons/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2014/11/Elmley-web-2014.pdf . 1 October 2015 . Web Archive . 9 . November 2014.
  2. Web site: Elmley Prison . 10 March 2023 .
  3. Web site: Nick . Hardwick . HMIP Inspections of Elmley . Doing Time . 1 October 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20151001195300/http://www.doingtime.co.uk/hmp-elmley/hmip-inspections-of-elmley/ . 1 October 2015 . Wayback Machine . November 2014.
  4. Web site: Sheppey Cluster (Elmley) Prison information . 20 December 2018 . HM Prison and Probation Service . 23 September 2019.
  5. News: Jail rapped as flea pit . . 10 September 2000 . . 23 September 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121022035226/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-65120966.html . 22 October 2012 . dead .
  6. Web site: Overcrowded jail struggles to improve . BBC News . 11 September 2003 . 12 April 2013.
  7. Web site: Jail criticised for overcrowding . BBC News . 24 February 2004 . 12 April 2013.
  8. Web site: Inspector criticises crowded jail . BBC News . 13 June 2007 . 12 April 2013.
  9. News: Two prison officers at HMP Elmley in Eastchurch taken to hospital after assault by allegedly intoxicated inmate . Lewis . Dyson . 22 June 2014 . . 23 September 2019.
  10. Web site: Inmate found dead in cell at overcrowded Elmley prison . BBC News . 12 November 2014 . 4 December 2014.
  11. Web site: Elmley Prison inmate 'ninth to die in 2014' . BBC News . 3 December 2014 . 4 December 2014.
  12. Web site: Elmley Prison Regime Info . Inside Time . 3 October 2015 . 13 December 2014.
  13. Web site: Aitken prison plot foiled . BBC News . 1 January 2000 . 12 April 2013.
  14. News: Riddle of the fake earl solved . O'Neill . Sean . Thompson . Paul . 5 May 2006 . . 23 September 2019.
  15. News: Mark . Tran . Langham released from jail after winning appeal . . 14 November 2007 . 12 April 2013.