Isle of Man Prison

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at the prison was a recurring problem from the 1990s onwards, and the prison was often criticised for its limited and outdated facilities.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 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 met. The Isle of Man Prison Service took control of the new prison site in late January 2008, with the prison becoming fully operational on 14 August. 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.[4]

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. There is also 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 University College Isle of Man. Inmates who study catering and industrial cleaning may work towards National Vocational Qualifications.[6]

• Trevor Baines

• Isle of Man Prison Service

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