Last inspectedAugust 2024Full inspection, unannounced
Source: HM Inspectorate of Prisons report published 12 November 2024; visiting details from GOV.UK · last checked 29 October 2026
Latest inspection
At its last full inspection (August 2024; report published November 2024), inspectors found outcomes for prisoners were poor for respect, purposeful activity and preparation for release; not sufficiently good for safety. It held 761 people at the time, against an operational capacity of 766. An independent review of progress was published in July 2025.
Safety: not sufficiently good · Respect: poor · Purposeful activity: poor · Preparation for release: poor Read our story
The Chief Inspector of Prisons formally told the Justice Secretary of urgent and significant concerns. The government must respond publicly within 28 days. Read our story
Safety: reasonably good · Respect: not sufficiently good · Purposeful activity: poor · Rehabilitation and release planning: reasonably good Read our story
A woman who admitted misconduct in a public office over a months-long relationship with a prisoner has avoided an immediate jail term. The man also received a suspended sentence.
Inspectors rated the Kent prison poor on three of four tests, finding endemic drug use, vermin-infested cells and fewer than a third of men in purposeful activity.
In September 2024, the Chief Inspector of Prisons invoked the Urgent Notification process at HMP Rochester in Kent, citing idle prisoners, endemic drug use, vermin in cells and an ineffective offender management unit.
The inspectorate's report on HMP & YOI Rochester, published in February 2022, found a settled prison that had handled COVID-19 well, but slow recovery, chronic staff shortages and very poor accommodation held it back.
Prison News staff
Affected by anything you have read? Free, confidential support is available.
Samaritans 116 123Prisoners’ Families Helpline 0808 808 2003More help
