Bedford (HM Prison)

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HMP Bedford
Bedford Prison (new block)
Opened	1801
Management	HM Prison Service
Prison type	Adult Male/Category B
Prisoner figures	494 (2007)
Location	Bedford, England
Governor	Frank Flynn
Information	www.hmprisonservice.gov.uk
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HMP Bedford is a local prison in the Harpur area of Bedford, Bedfordshire, England. The term 'local' means that this prison holds people on remand to the local courts. Bedford accepts adult male prisoners remanded into custody from Luton Crown Court and all magistrates' courts in Bedfordshire.

1 History
2 Regime and facilities
3 References
4 External links

[edit] History

The Prison has been on its current site since 1801. The original building included ...a turnkey's lodge, cells for debtors, felons and house of correction prisoners, hot and cold baths and an oven to purify infected clothing. The silence system was enforced with great severity, wooden partitions being placed between any two prisoners at work on the treadmill. Separate exercise was allowed in the yards, and meals were taken in the cells. ^[1]

The prison was enlarged in 1849 and a new gate lodge, house block and health care centre added in early 1990s. ^[2]

[edit] Regime and facilities

There is a split regime operating within the prison, so most work and all education is offered on a part time basis. There is a resettlement unit within the prison, a daily library provision, and gymnasium available. There is 24 hour medical cover at the prison and 12 beds are available in the medical centre. There is a prisoner listener scheme for those considered to be at risk from suicide or self-harm. ^[3]

The Visitors Centre is run by the Ormiston Trust. There is wheelchair access, a children's play area with supervised play activity and baby changing facilities.