Source · IMB Annual Report

Rochester

AI-generated report summary HMP/YOI Rochester experienced considerable changes during the reporting period, including the introduction of a new PCoSO cohort, necessitating a split-site model. While notable improvements in safety and living conditions on the top site were observed, core issues such as drug availability, staffing challenges, and healthcare waiting times continue to impact the prison. The IMB highlights several areas for development, including the need for a social care provider, improved property handling, and increased rehabilitative provision for PCoSOs, to ensure humane and effective treatment for all prisoners.

Year: 2026 Published: 8 Sep 2026 Type: Prison · Cat C Population: 750 Recommendations: 10 Key concerns Positive findings

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Safety statistics

Incidents during reporting year

Indicator	This year	Previous
Deaths in custody	3	—
Self-harm incidents	233	—
Assaults on staff	82	90
Use of force	409	503
Drug finds	76	103

Positive findings

AI-generated summary

The Board noted improvements in safety and self-harm prevention, and the effective adaptation to the new PCoSO cohort. Use of force is steadily reducing, and the top-site accommodation saw considerable improvements in cleanliness and order. Adjudications are conducted correctly, and the chaplaincy team is fully staffed, offering high-standard one-to-one care. Mental healthcare support is satisfactory, and drug recovery systems are operating well. The OMU is now fully staffed, and the library remains a well-managed and highly valued resource. Relationships between staff and prisoners appear generally positive.

Key concerns

10 items

Substance Misuse The Board is concerned that the Independent Review of Progress of June 2025 found that illicit drug availability at HMP/YOI Rochester posed a major threat to safety and security.

Healthcare The new cohort of PCoSO prisoners at HMP/YOI Rochester has led to a sharp increase in social care needs among older and more vulnerable prisoners. There is an urgent need for a social care provider to be in place to provide the care and support that some of these prisoners need.

Estate/Conditions Repeated Living conditions, particularly in the care and separation unit, remain below acceptable standards in many areas, according to the findings of an HMIP Inspection.

Complaints/Property Repeated Property complaints once again remain the most common issue raised by prisoners and that the lack of effective volumetric control during transfers continues to cause avoidable loss and frustration.

Regime/Time Out of Cell The Board remains concerned about the limited rehabilitative provision available to PCoSOs and the consequent impact on their rehabilitation.

Safety Whilst the Board acknowledges that officers are using body worn video cameras (BWVCs) more frequently, their use is still not routine. On occasion, video cameras are not activated in time, resulting in crucial evidence being missed.

Substance Misuse Widespread availability of drugs and other illicit substances across the site.

Complaints/Property Too many adjudications are remanded because of missing paperwork, absent BWVC footage or prisoners refusing to attend. These avoidable delays waste time and resources and compromise the smooth running of the prison.

Regime/Time Out of Cell Delays in prisoners receiving their PIN numbers allowing them to stay in touch with family, friends, and legal representatives.

Safety Mains prisoners and PCoSOs arrive at the prison in shared transport. With only one holding area in reception, this mixing of cohorts creates difficulties in managing new arrivals and increases the risk of unrest.

Recommendations

10 items · 2 repeated

Recommendation 1

Addressee: Other — minister

The Board is concerned that the Independent Review of Progress of June 2025 found that illicit drug availability at HMP/YOI Rochester posed a major threat to safety and security. What further national support will the Minister provide to help the prison reduce the supply and use of illicit drugs, including through strengthened security measures, improved testing capacity and stronger collaboration with relevant partners, and how will the effectiveness of these interventions be monitored and evaluated?

Source text verified

Recorded status:

Topic: Substance Misuse

Recommendation 2

Addressee: Other — minister

The new cohort of PCoSO prisoners at HMP/YOI Rochester has led to a sharp increase in social care needs among older and more vulnerable prisoners. There is an urgent need for a social care provider to be in place to provide the care and support that some of these prisoners need to maintain their dignity, manage daily life safely and take part meaningfully in their rehabilitative activities. What reassurances can the Minister give the Board that the local authority will put this in place?

Source text verified

Recorded status:

Topic: Healthcare

Recommendation 3

Addressee: HMPPS

The Board welcomes the progress made in improved living conditions at HMP/YOI Rochester, including refurbished wings, cleaner communal areas and reduced vermin levels. However, living conditions, particularly in the care and separation unit, remain below acceptable standards in many areas, according to the findings of an HMIP Inspection. What assurances can HMPPS provide that the necessary investment will be made available to complete these essential improvements and ensure that all accommodation meets acceptable standards of decency?

Repeated Source text verified

Recorded status:

Topic: Estate

Recommendation 4

Addressee: HMPPS

The Board notes that property complaints once again remain the most common issue raised by prisoners and that the lack of effective volumetric control during transfers continues to cause avoidable loss and frustration. Whilst these concerns have been acknowledged and some improvements made; progress has been slow. When will HMPPS implement the fundamental and systematic changes needed to ensure property is handled accurately, consistently and with proper accountability across the estate? If such changes are not planned, could HMPPS explain why this is the case?

Repeated Source text verified

Recorded status:

Topic: Administration

Recommendation 5

Addressee: HMPPS

The Board remains concerned about the limited rehabilitative provision available to PCoSOs and the consequent impact on their rehabilitation. What steps is the Prison Service taking to increase programme availability and ensure that prisoners can complete their sentence plan requirements, and provision to meet identified need?

Source text verified

Recorded status:

Topic: Progression and Resettlement