| HMP Canterbury | |
|---|---|
| Opened | 1808 |
| Management | HM Prison Service |
| Prison type | Foreign Nationals |
| Prisoner figures | 304 (August 2008) |
| Location | Canterbury, Kent |
| Governor | Chris Bartlett |
| Information | www.justice.gov.uk |
HMP Canterbury is a men's prison holding foreign nationals. The prison is located in Canterbury, Kent, England. Canterbury Prison is operated by Her Majesty's Prison Service.
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The prison originated as a county gaol in 1808 and served as a Home Office archive during the First World War. After a time as a Naval Detention Centre, the prison was converted into a Category C prison for men.
In 2003 Canterbury Prison was highlighted by the Prison Reform Trust as being one of the most overcrowded prisons in the country, claiming that Canterbury was overpopulated 57%.[1] Two years later the Howard League for Penal Reform criticised the prison for its high rates of suicides amongst inmates.[2]
In 2007 Canterbury Prison was converted to hold only foreign national prisoners in the UK. This was to allow a centralisation of specialised immigration and language services for foreign prisoners, as well as to allow dedicated immigration officials to work on the deportation of as many inmates as possible (on completion of their sentence).[3]
In 2008 the Princess Royal visited Canterbury as part of celebrations marking the 200th anniversary of the prison.[4]
Canterbury Prison holds foreign national prisoners (convicted of crimes in the UK) that are serving less than four years of a sentence, with an expectation of removal.
Facilities at the prison include a gym, astro-turf pitch, kitchens, education and workshops. A visitors centre for social visits is open every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
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