Thorn Cross (HM Prison)
| HMP Thorn Cross | |
|---|---|
| Opened | 1985 |
| Management | HM Prison Service |
| Prison type | Young Offenders Institution |
| Prisoner figures | 321 (August 2008) |
| Location | Appleton Thorn, Cheshire |
| Governor | Bob McColm |
| Information | www.justice.gov.uk |
HM Prison Thorn Cross is a Category D Young Offenders Institution for males aged 18 to 25. The prison is located in the village of Appleton Thorn (near Warrington) in Cheshire, England. Thorn Cross is operated by Her Majesty's Prison Service.
Contents |
[edit] History
Thorn Cross Prison opened in 1985, on the site of the former RNAS Stretton (HMS Blackcap) airfield. Thorn Cross was initially used as an open prison for adult males. In 1996, the prison was re-rolled as a Young Offenders Institution. At the time, Thorn Cross was the first such institution in the United Kingdom to enforce military-style disciplinary regime for its inmates, which led to the prison being labelled as a boot camp.[1]
In January 1999, an inspection report from Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons labelled Thorn Cross Prison as an inspirational example of good practice. In particular the report praised the prisons High Intensity Training (HIT) project, and recommended it be rolled out to other prisons.[2]
In October 2005, a further inspection report highly praised Thorn Cross Prison, again highlighting the prisons HIT program. The report also noted that Thorn Cross managed to reduce re-offending amongst its ex-inmates to just over 20%, which was one of the best rates in the country. However the report did say the prison did have to do more to improve relations with the local community.[3]
[edit] The prison today
Thorn Cross Prison is a Young Offenders institution for males ages 18 to 25. Accommodation at the prison consists of single rooms, with prisoners having their own room keys.
Education and training courses offered at the prison include Construction Crafts, Motor Vehicles, Horticulture, Hospitality and Catering and Rail Construction (NVQ Level 2). Thorn Cross has a number of partnerships with national and local employers which offer opportunities for work placements prior to and on release.
[edit] References
- ^ "'Boot camp' name change call". bbc.co.uk. 12 January 1999. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/253205.stm. Retrieved 2009-01-30.
- ^ "'Boot camp' name change call". bbc.co.uk. 12 January 1999. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/253205.stm. Retrieved 2009-01-30.
- ^ "Praise for young offender centre". bbc.co.uk. 12 October 2005. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/4333314.stm. Retrieved 2009-01-30.
[edit] External links
Coordinates: 53°21′01″N 2°32′27″W / 53.3503°N 2.5407°W
|
||||||||||
