Report published 9 October 2023

HMP Dartmoor

Type of inspection: Full unannounced inspection

Dates of inspection: 19 June – 6 July 2023

Summary of findings: Dartmoor is one of the oldest prisons in the country and was due to be closed. It has been kept open due to population pressures and many of the problems at the prison stem from the costly failure by the prison service to plan adequately for this situation. Many of the already cramped cells were now doubled up to hold two prisoners. Access to education, training and employment was poor and the prison was failing to deliver its purpose as a training prison. Given the relatively older age of the HMP Dartmoor population, the long sentences many are serving and the already inadequate numbers of work, training and education places, the Inspectorate would be very concerned if the number of prisoners increases further.

Points to note: Despite the prison holding a large number of people convicted of sexual offences, there were no accredited programmes to support their rehabilitation.

Read the report: HMP Dartmoor