Cheap Prison Calls: 5 Most Modern Prisons In The UK

The UK prison system has undergone significant transformation in recent years, focusing on building modern, state-of-the-art facilities designed to address the growing prison population, reduce reoffending rates, and improve prisoner welfare. These new prisons are not only about increasing capacity but also about changing how prisons operate, introducing smart technology, environmentally sustainable practices, and rehabilitation-focused regimes. This article will explore the most modern prisons in the UK, the government’s commitment to building 20,000 new prison places by the mid-2020s, and the key principles driving the construction and operation of these facilities.

The UK government has committed to creating 20,000 new prison places by the mid-2020s, driven by the growing prison population and the need to improve the standards of the existing prison estate. Many older prisons in the UK are not only overcrowded but are also outdated, failing to meet modern standards of decency and safety. As part of this ambitious plan, several modern prisons have already been built or are under construction, incorporating the latest technology and design to create safer and more efficient environments for both staff and inmates.

The focus of these new prisons is not just on increasing capacity but also on improving rehabilitation. By providing more purposeful activity, education, and vocational training, the aim is to better prepare prisoners for life after release and ultimately reduce reoffending rates.

HMP Five Wells

HMP Five Wells, which opened in March 2022, is a flagship example of the UK’s modern prison estate. Located in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, HMP Five Wells is often referred to as a “smart prison” due to its heavy reliance on technology to improve security, rehabilitation, and management of inmates. It is part of the government’s effort to deliver a new wave of prisons that focus on reducing reoffending while maintaining public protection.

One of the unique features of HMP Five Wells is its use of in-cell technology. Each cell is equipped with devices that allow prisoners to manage their own schedules, order meals, and request healthcare appointments without needing to leave their cell. This not only reduces unnecessary movement within the prison but also encourages a level of independence and responsibility among inmates.

HMP Five Wells also incorporates rehabilitation into its core mission. The prison offers a wide range of vocational training programs, education opportunities, and mental health support services to help prisoners reintegrate into society upon release. The modern design of the prison ensures that inmates have access to plenty of natural light, green spaces, and physical activity, all of which are important factors in maintaining mental health and well-being.

HMP Fosse Way

Another key part of the government’s modern prison-building initiative is HMP Fosse Way, located in Leicestershire. HMP Fosse Way started accepting prisoners in May 2023, representing another step toward the government’s goal of expanding the prison estate with new, technologically advanced facilities.

HMP Fosse Way is designed to help prisoners turn their lives around by focusing on reducing reoffending. The prison is equipped with modern technology and facilities that make it easier to offer education, vocational training, and mental health support. Similar to HMP Five Wells, HMP Fosse Way uses in-cell technology to allow prisoners to manage their daily tasks more independently, while staff can monitor their progress through secure systems.

With its advanced design, HMP Fosse Way also emphasizes the well-being of prisoners, incorporating green spaces, outdoor activity areas, and well-lit communal areas that encourage positive interaction. By fostering a supportive environment, HMP Fosse Way aims to reduce the likelihood of inmates returning to a life of crime after their release.

HMP Millsike (Full Sutton)

HMP Millsike, currently under construction near Full Sutton in Yorkshire, is another example of the government’s ongoing effort to modernize the prison estate. Once completed, HMP Millsike will provide additional capacity for the UK’s growing prison population, while also introducing the latest in smart prison technology and rehabilitation-focused design.

Although still under construction, HMP Millsike will feature a wide range of facilities designed to help prisoners develop new skills and qualifications that will be useful once they are released. The prison will focus on vocational training, offering programs in industries such as construction, catering, and logistics. Like other new prisons, HMP Millsike will also offer mental health services, substance abuse support, and educational opportunities.

The design of HMP Millsike prioritizes safety, both for staff and inmates. The prison will feature advanced security systems, including biometric identification and CCTV monitoring, to ensure that it is one of the safest prisons in the UK. Additionally, the modern design aims to create a more humane environment for inmates, with improved living conditions, access to outdoor space, and an emphasis on rehabilitation.

New Prison Near Market Harborough

A new prison near Market Harborough, set to open in the coming years, represents an innovative approach to prison construction, focusing heavily on environmental sustainability. The prison will incorporate eco-friendly features such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and energy-efficient heating and lighting systems. These sustainable practices not only reduce the environmental impact of the prison but also serve as an educational tool for inmates, who will have the opportunity to participate in environmental conservation programs and learn about sustainable living.

Like other modern prisons, the new facility near Market Harborough will also use smart technology to improve the management of prisoners and reduce the workload on staff. The prison will offer a wide range of rehabilitation programs, including vocational training, education, and mental health support. The focus on rehabilitation is a key aspect of modern prisons, as the government seeks to reduce reoffending rates and prepare prisoners for successful reintegration into society.

The Prison Rating System (PRS)

To ensure that the new generation of prisons is delivering on its promises, the government has introduced the Prison Rating System (PRS), which assesses the performance of prisons in four key areas: public protection, reducing reoffending, decency, and resource management and operational effectiveness.

Public Protection:
Ensuring that prisons keep inmates securely detained while minimizing the risk they pose to the public is the top priority. Modern prisons are designed with state-of-the-art security measures, including biometric systems, CCTV monitoring, and secure perimeter fencing. These features help prevent escapes and maintain control over the prison population.

Reducing Reoffending:
One of the core aims of modern prisons is to reduce reoffending by providing inmates with the tools they need to lead crime-free lives upon release. This includes access to education, vocational training, mental health support, and substance abuse programs. The PRS evaluates how effective prisons are in preparing inmates for life after release and how successful they are in reducing reoffending rates.

Decency:
Modern prisons are designed to provide humane living conditions for inmates, which is essential for maintaining their mental and physical health. The PRS looks at factors such as the quality of accommodation, access to healthcare, food, and physical activity, as well as the general well-being of prisoners.Resource Management and Operational Effectiveness: The efficient use of resources is critical to the operation of modern prisons. This includes managing staff, maintaining the facilities, and ensuring that prisons are run efficiently while meeting safety and security standards.

Addressing Safety and Security Concerns

Although modern prisons are designed to be safer and more secure than older facilities, concerns about safety and security remain. Violence among inmates, self-harm, and mental health issues continue to be challenges for the prison system. However, the government’s investment in modern prisons aims to address these issues by providing better living conditions, more opportunities for rehabilitation, and improved mental health support.

The use of in-cell technology, for example, allows prisoners to manage their daily tasks more independently, reducing frustration and potential conflicts. The emphasis on rehabilitation, through education and vocational training, also helps prisoners develop a sense of purpose, reducing the likelihood of violence and self-harm.

The modern prisons being built in the UK represent a significant shift in how the prison system operates. By incorporating the latest technology, environmentally sustainable practices, and a focus on rehabilitation, these prisons aim to provide a safer, more humane environment for inmates while reducing reoffending rates. HMP Five Wells, HMP Fosse Way, HMP Millsike, and the new prison near Market Harborough are all examples of the government’s commitment to creating a more effective and efficient prison system. While challenges remain, the future of UK prisons looks promising as they continue to evolve and improve.