Wakefield Prison information
HMP Wakefield is a high-security prison for men typically in security categories A and B.
HMP Wakefield was originally built as a house of correction in 1594. The current prison was designated a ‘dispersal' prison in 1966 (the longest of the remaining original group). It is now a main lifer centre with the focus on serious sex offenders. The average prison roll is approximately 740 including approximately 100 Category A and 10 High Risk Category A prisoners.
Wakefield houses a Close Supervision Centre (CSC) a small therapeutic centre aiming to provide a supportive, safe, structured and consistent environment for some of the most challenging offenders.
Its long and illustrious history has been documented in a superb publication called ‘Round the Mulberry Bush' written by a previous governor.
Address:
5 Love Lane
Wakefield
West Yorkshire
WF2 9AG
Tel: 01924 612 000
Fax: 01924 612 001
Governor: David Harding
Operational Capacity: 751 as of 31st November 2007
Reception criteria: Prisoners serving over five years primarily for sexual offences or those who have previously committed sexual offences. Preferably those prisoners who are willing to participate in offence-focused treatment activities.
Accommodation: Victorian radial block design with single occupancy cells with integral sanitation.
