Some prisoners at the Isle of Man prison will soon be housed in temporary cabins due to an increase in population figures.
Since 2022 the number of prisoners has been gradually rising, but the last 12 months have seen an increase of around 66%.
The rise in prisoners has meant at times the prison has been operating at full capacity.
The Isle of Man Prison was designed to hold an operational capacity of 141 prisoners among its five residential wings.
It is expected the first prisoners will be transferred to this temporary unit, which cost £200,000, in the next two weeks.
Portacabins
In order to create capacity within the secure grounds of Isle of Man Prison, the Prison Governor proposed to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) that temporary accommodation be used.
This unit has been named the ‘Juliette Unit’, and comprises of 24 single occupancy cabins and is within the main prison walls.
The Department says that all cells meet required standards for safety and security, and all prisoners housed in them will be required to adhere to the usual security and prison processes.
This includes CCTV and in-person monitoring, regular searches of persons and possessions, and keeping their areas in good condition.
Each cell has its own bed, desk, toilet and shower. There is access to a shared association space with some kitchen facilities (kettle, microwave).
Prisoners
The unit will be populated by a number of offenders who are near the end of their sentence or who are already working in the community during the day as part of their rehabilitation prior to release.
It is expected the first prisoners will be transferred to this temporary unit in the next two weeks.
These temporary units are expected to be in place for an initial period of 12 months, with the option to extend if required.
Overcrowding
The rise in population at the prison is due in part to prisoners receiving longer sentences, recent proactive police drugs operations and the introduction of new legislation on the Island.
Prisoners from the Island who offend are not generally sent to the UK, except where they are considered to meet the requirements as a Category A prisoner or need treatment in a secure hospital.
The Department says that the population issue on the island is compounded by the current overcrowding in the United Kingdom prison system.
The DHA will be undertaking a broader review of the prison capacity, and the wider picture of sentencing, types of offences, suitable alternative disposals and other considerations –ahead of making a decision on any more permanent action.
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