HM Prison Dorchester

HMP Dorchester

Main gates of Dorchester Prison
Location	Dorchester, Dorset
Security class	Adult Male/Local
Population	252 (as of August 2008)
Opened	1800s
Closed	2013
Managed by	HM Prison Services
Governor	Steve Hodson
Website	Dorchester at justice.gov.uk

HM Prison Dorchester was a local men's prison, located in Dorchester in Dorset, England. The prison was operated by Her Majesty's Prison Service, and closed in December 2013.

Erected during the 19th century, the prison buildings are a typical Victorian design.

In 2006, it was revealed that 25% of random drug tests on inmates had proven positive. Though cannabis was the most commonly detected drug, a substantial amount of inmates had tested positive for opiates such as heroin.

In 2007 the Prison Reform Trust said that prison staff were "battling against overwhelming odds in old and overcrowded premises", after an inspection report from Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons said there were too many inmates there, and too little investment in prison buildings and facilities. The report also criticised the lack of work opportunities for inmates. Conditions improved to an extent, and the prison was awarded ‘Most Improved Prison for 2008'.

Before closure, Dorchester Prison held adult males and young adult males from Dorchester, Poole and Bournemouth Crown Courts, as well as Magistrates' courts in Dorset and some in Somerset. The prison population was made up of roughly half convicted prisoners, and half remanded inmates. Dorchester Prison's education department offered courses such as Catering and industrial cleaning. The physical education department also offered recognised qualifications for some heath and training programmes, as well as recreational activities. Other facilities for inmates at the prison included a library and chaplaincy support.