Military Centre Praised For Its Lack Of Drugs And Violence

A secure unit for members of the Armed Forces has been praised by prison inspectors, saying it was "refreshing" to inspect a facility where drugs and violence were virtually unknown.

The report described the Military Corrective Training Centre in Colchester, Essex, as safe, decent and purposeful.

Chief Inspector of Prisons Peter Clarke said his inspection team could not recall ever having been to a more respectful institution.

He said:

"It was refreshing for HM Inspectorate of Prisons to inspect a training centre where drugs and violence were virtually unknown, and where the culture was incredibly positive, forward-looking and not at all punitive.

The centre was established shortly after the Second World War and is a tri-service facility, with staff and detainees from the Royal Navy, Army and Air Force.

It can hold up to 323 male and female detainees, although in practice the population has rarely exceeded 180, and routinely stands at around 50.

Most have breached military rules, rather than the criminal law.

The inspection only raised one 'red flag'.

The report highlighted that the military is not included in arrangements that apply to non-military offenders on release.

The report said:

"This meant that the few offenders being released into the community who presented a high risk of harm to others were being released without proper supervision or risk-management," 

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said:

"We welcome the positive conclusions from Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons report on the Military Corrective Training Centre, which was found to be a safe establishment with a positive and forward looking culture.

"We will work with HMIP on the report's recommendations, including looking into areas for improvement post-release."