Our main guide: for the most complete, up-to-date version of this topic see Which Prisons Are Category A?.

Which Prisons Are Category A in the UK? Complete Guide to Maximum Security Facilities

If you or someone you know is facing sentencing for a serious crime, you’re wondering: will they go to Category A? What are Category A prisons actually like? Category A is the UK’s highest security classification—prisoners here are deemed so dangerous that their escape would pose an extreme public safety risk. Understanding what Category A means, which prisons are Category A, security procedures, and what daily life is really like can help you prepare emotionally and practically for what comes next.

I’ve spent time in the UK prison system and learned about Category A from other prisoners who’ve experienced it. This complete guide covers the legal definition of Category A, which prisons are classified as Category A, security features, prisoner experiences, recategorization options, and how Category A compares to other security levels. Whether you’re facing potential Category A placement or trying to understand a loved one’s situation, this breaks it down clearly.

What Is Category A Classification?

Who Gets Classified as Category A?

• Terrorists: Security threats, plot convictions, radicalization concerns
• Serial murderers: Multiple homicide convictions
• Major drug traffickers: International scale operations
• Organized crime leaders: Gang founders, cartel members
• Prisoners with escape history: Successful or attempted escapes
• Violent offenders: Those demonstrating extreme violence risk
• Prisoners of national concern: High-profile cases, political sensitivity

The 5 Main Category A Prisons in the UK

HMP Belmarsh (London)

Location: Greenwich, London | Capacity: 900 prisoners | Security: Maximum

• Primary Category A facility for London and southeast
• House of multiple high-profile terrorists, organized crime figures
• Most modern facilities of Category A prisons
• 24-hour surveillance, armed response teams on-site

HMP Long Lartin (Worcestershire)

Location: Worcestershire | Capacity: 500+ | Security: Maximum

• Second-largest Category A facility
• Houses some of longest-serving prisoners (15+ years)
• Stricter regime than Belmarsh

HMP Wakefield (Yorkshire)

Location: Yorkshire | Capacity: 330 | Security: Maximum

• Highest-security individual cells
• Houses serial murderers and extreme violence cases
• One of most restrictive regimes in UK

HMP Gartree (Leicestershire)

Location: Leicestershire | Capacity: 400+ | Security: Maximum

• Holds significant number of organized crime prisoners
• Strong security perimeter (double-fenced)

HMP Whitemoor (Cambridgeshire)

Location: Cambridgeshire | Capacity: 400+ | Security: Maximum

• High-tech security systems
• Purpose-built Category A facility
• Known for housing terrorists

What Is Daily Life Like in Category A Prison?

Security Features

• Perimeter: Double or triple fencing, armed guards, motion sensors
• Cells: Solid doors, CCTV in corridors (not cells), minimal furniture
• Surveillance: 24-hour video monitoring, listening devices
• Control: Every movement tracked, all visits monitored
• Staff: Highest staff-to-prisoner ratio of any prison

Category A vs Other Prison Categories

Can You Be Recategorized From Category A?

FAQ: Category A Prisons

Can you have visits in Category A prison?

Yes, but heavily restricted. Visits are monitored, may be through glass, limited frequency (1-2 per month typical), and in controlled settings. Some prisons allow contact visits in later years for well-behaved prisoners.

Can you make phone calls in Category A?

Very limited. Calls are monitored and recorded. Access is restricted compared to lower categories. Some prisoners get 1-2 phone calls per week.

What causes Category A classification?

Escape risk assessment, crime severity (terrorism, serial murder, organized crime), threat to national security, prior escape attempts, or potential for violence in prison.

Key Takeaways

• 5 main Category A prisons in UK: Belmarsh, Long Lartin, Wakefield, Gartree, Whitemoor
• Category A = maximum security, 23-hour cell confinement
• Reserved for terrorists, serial murderers, organized crime leaders
• Recategorization extremely rare (15-20+ years of good behavior)
• Most Category A prisoners spend entire sentence in high security

Related Resources

• Category B Prisons UK
• Category C Prisons UK
• Category D Open Prisons
• Prison Sentence Calculator

By Daniel Hockey
Prison Information Specialist | First-hand prison experience | Author of 4 prison guides.

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