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Rochester Prison inspection finds rodent infestation, dangerous electrics and undignified toilets

A widespread rodent infestation, dangerous electrics and undignified toilets were among factors creating poor living conditions for prisoners at Rochester Prison, according to a new report.

Published today, the report from HM Inspectorate of Prisons said HMP & YOI Rochester was found to be "reasonably safe and settled, despite some poor living conditions for prisoners" following an inspection in October last year.

HMP Rochester, Fort Road, Rochester
HMP Rochester, Fort Road, Rochester

The report also states how staffing shortages and the "slow pace of easing Covid-19 restrictions" meant a poor daily regime, with most prisoners spending more than 22 hours locked in their cells each day and too few taking part in "any form of purposeful activity".

One key concern, noted: "The cells in the older accommodation blocks were dingy and dilapidated and in need of continual repair, leaking plumbing was commonplace, and in some cells the electricity wiring appeared to be in a dangerous state.

"There was an ongoing problem with a rodent infestation that affected most prisoners.

"None of the single cells had toilet screens, which was undignified.

"Most windows across the prison needed to be repaired or replaced as the ventilation hatches could not be opened, which meant it was difficult to regulate the temperature in the cells."

A toilet on E-wing found to be leaking an undermining flooring. From HMP Inspectorate of Prisons report on HMP Rochester
A toilet on E-wing found to be leaking an undermining flooring. From HMP Inspectorate of Prisons report on HMP Rochester

It goes on to recommend ells in the older part of the prison should be taken out of commission and refurbished or replaced to "ensure that all prisoners live in cells that are safe, decent and comfortable."

The report also noted: "In some cells the only socket to plug a kettle into was on a narrow shelf, high up next to the television.

"One prisoner told us this precarious arrangement had resulted in him being scalded.

"Other prisoners told us the electrics regularly tripped, leaving them without power.

"To overcome this, prisoners had pushed plastic items into the fuse box outside the cell door."

An empty cell on B Wing, with toilet clearly visible from doorway. HM Inspectorate of Prisons report on HMP Rochester.
An empty cell on B Wing, with toilet clearly visible from doorway. HM Inspectorate of Prisons report on HMP Rochester.

The category C training and resettlement prison, holding 658 adult and young male offenders, was last inspected in 2017, when it was in a state of flux, with plans to close it just rescinded.

Charlie Taylor, HM chief inspector of prisons, said that at the latest inspection, in October 2021, “the situation had changed radically and, far from closure, there was now talk of potential plans to redevelop the site".

He added: “Whether these plans come to fruition remains to be seen although, as our report shows, a key strategic priority for the prison is the need to end overcrowding and radically improve the condition of the living accommodation in which prisoners were held.

"The establishment comprises a mix of very old house blocks and some relatively new. All, however, were in a very poor condition."

But he said overall, and in the context of the restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, this was a "reasonable inspection".

Plastic items used to prevent circuit breaker from tripping on E-wing. From HM Inspectorate of Prisons report on HMP Rochester
Plastic items used to prevent circuit breaker from tripping on E-wing. From HM Inspectorate of Prisons report on HMP Rochester

He added: "As we found in 2017, outcomes in safety remained reasonably good, but were not sufficiently good in respect, principally due to the very poor living environment.

"In purposeful activity outcomes had deteriorated and were now poor – largely a consequence of COVID-19 restrictions – but outcomes had improved in rehabilitation and release planning to the extent that they were now reasonably good.

“It was clear that leaders in the prison had prioritised Rochester’s response to the pandemic and had, commendably, been successful in mitigating risks.

"As the prison recovered however, progress to us seemed slow, even tentative.

"The reasons and explanations we heard for this were often unclear and inconsistent. Too few prisoners were engaged in useful activity.”

The electric and water supply in close proximity in a laundry room on A-Wing. From HM Inspectorate of Prisons report on HMP Rochester.
The electric and water supply in close proximity in a laundry room on A-Wing. From HM Inspectorate of Prisons report on HMP Rochester.

Plans for further recovery of a meaningful daily regime seemed to be fragile and unambitious, but Mr Taylor noted the prison suffered from a "chronic shortage of staff", in common with other prisons in the Kent area.

He concluded that Rochester was achieving "reasonably good outcomes in some important areas".

Mr Taylor added: "The prison was settled, and prisoners seemed generally accepting, even sanguine about their situation, despite the poor living conditions and lack of activity.

"It was hard to avoid the sense, however, that with greater confidence, ambition and clarity of purpose from leaders, more could have been achieved.

"Clearer plans about the prison’s future, including how it will be redeveloped, and a robust strategy – probably led by HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) – to ensure effective recruitment are the two critical priorities."

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