Report calls for tougher action on drugs in prison

The availability of illicit drugs in a Kent prison is continuing to pose a major threat to safety and security despite improvements at the facility, a report has said.

The Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) for HMP Rochester said the arrival and management of an older cohort of prisoners had initially placed "considerable strain" on the prison but it had adapted well.

However, drug use remained a serious concern, it said, while cuts to education provision had led to prisoners spending longer in cells with fewer prospects for rehabilitation.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said the government had "inherited a prison system in crisis" but was pleased by the "significant progress" at HMP Rochester.

The IMB has asked the government to provide more support to limit the supply of illegal drugs to prisoners, including through strengthened security measures and improved testing capacity.

The report detailed how the Category C men's prison began receiving prisoners convicted of sexual offences (PCoSOs) in March 2025, meaning two parallel regimes were required for safeguarding purposes.

The IMB said the changes were completed by July 2025 and the board felt they had been carried out with "commendable flexibility".

While levels of violence were low amongst the PCoSOs, the Board highlighted challenges related to continuing violence amongst the rest of the population, often driven by the illicit economy and drug related debt.

And it said "the ongoing management of two different cohorts continues to place significant demands on staff and create tensions among prisoners".

It also said a reduction in education provision put a strain on resources and highlighted the fact 12% of prisoners were released without accommodation, putting them at risk of homelessness.

It did praise the appointment of a new permanent governor, progress on its drugs strategy and what it said were "positive relationships" between staff and prisoners".

The Chair of IMB Rochester said: "Although the board was concerned about the prison's ability to manage significant changes, our weekly monitoring visits indicate it has adapted well.

"However, the easy availability of drugs remains a serious concern and a clear threat to safety and security across the prison.

"Cuts to education provision have exacerbated the chronic shortage of trainers and tutors, reducing opportunities for men to gain skills, prepare for release and engage in meaningful activity.

"As a result, more prisoners are spending longer locked in their cells with fewer prospects for rehabilitation."

The MoJ spokesperson says: "This report recognises significant progress at HMP Rochester, including stronger leadership, improvements in tackling drugs and better relationships between staff and prisoners.

"But there is much more to do. That is why former Home Secretary Amber Rudd is leading an independent review of the prison system to tackle longstanding problems and develop a long-term plan to build safer prisons, reduce reoffending and keep the public safe."

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