HMP Bure: An In-Depth Look
HMP Bure is a Category C men’s prison situated in the parish of Scottow, Norfolk, England. Established in 2009, it occupies part of the former RAF Coltishall site, blending new constructions with repurposed RAF buildings.
History of HMP Bure
HMP Bure was conceived on the former grounds of RAF Coltishall, a site with significant military history. Originally built during World War II, RAF Coltishall was home to night fighters and later ground attack aircraft, playing a notable role in the Gulf War. Following its closure in 2006 due to defence cuts, the site was transformed into a prison. By 2009, it was officially operational, primarily housing sex offenders from the East of England. The name “Bure” was chosen over local town names to mitigate concerns from nearby communities.
Location and Capacity
HMP Bure is located on Jaguar Drive, Badersfield, near Norwich, Norfolk. The prison can accommodate up to 624 inmates, distributed across seven residential units. Each unit predominantly features single cells, equipped with personal safes and integral sanitation. Communal showers are also provided in each unit.
Categorisation and Inmate Profile
As a Category C prison, HMP Bure houses adult male offenders who are unlikely to escape but cannot be trusted in open conditions. The majority of inmates are convicted sex offenders, reflecting the prison’s focus on addressing sexual offences through targeted rehabilitation programs.
Facilities and Services
HMP Bure offers a variety of educational and vocational programs aimed at rehabilitation and skill development. The Learning Resource Centre provides courses, while vocational training includes painting, decorating, and industrial cleaning. Additionally, the prison supports inmates through services from organisations like Nacro, Citizens Advice Bureau, and Alcoholics Anonymous.
Visiting Information
Visiting hours at HMP Bure are from 9:30-11:30 on weekends and 14:00-16:00 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The visitors’ centre, managed by Ormiston Families, offers amenities such as a welcome desk and informational staff. However, currently, there are no special provisions for children’s visits.
Communication with Inmates
Inmates at HMP Bure can keep in touch with their families and friends through several means. While they do not have personal phones, they can make approved calls to listed contacts. Secure video calls and emails via the “Email a Prisoner” service are also available, providing multiple ways for maintaining connections with the outside world.
Life Inside HMP Bure
HMP Bure is dedicated to creating a safe and educational environment. The prison runs various offending behaviour programmes specifically designed for sex offenders. These programmes are crucial in helping inmates address their behaviour and prepare for eventual reintegration into society. The prison also ensures robust safeguarding measures and provides support services, including a listener scheme overseen by the Samaritans.
FAQs
1. What type of prison is HMP Bure? HMP Bure is a Category C men’s prison, primarily housing sex offenders from the East of England.
2. Where is HMP Bure located? HMP Bure is situated in the parish of Scottow, Norfolk, on Jaguar Drive, Badersfield, near Norwich.
3. How can I visit someone at HMP Bure? Visiting hours are from 9:30-11:30 on weekends and 14:00-16:00 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. It’s recommended to contact the visitors’ centre for more details.
4. What is the capacity of HMP Bure? HMP Bure can accommodate up to 624 inmates.
5. What educational programmes are available at HMP Bure? The prison offers various educational courses and vocational training in areas like painting, decorating, and industrial cleaning.
6. How can inmates communicate with family and friends? Inmates can make phone calls to approved contacts, send and receive emails via the “Email a Prisoner” service, and arrange secure video calls.
7. What support services are available for inmates at HMP Bure? Support services include those from Nacro, Citizens Advice Bureau, and Alcoholics Anonymous, among others.
8. What are the main offences of inmates at HMP Bure? The majority of inmates are convicted of sexual offences, aligning with the prison’s focus on treating such offences.
9. How does HMP Bure ensure inmate safety? HMP Bure has robust safeguarding measures and support services, including a listener scheme overseen by the Samaritans.
10. When was HMP Bure established? HMP Bure was established in 2009 on part of the former RAF Coltishall site.
Conclusion
HMP Bure serves a critical role in rehabilitating sex offenders within a secure environment. With its robust educational programs, support services, and focus on safety, it aims to provide inmates with the skills and support necessary for successful reintegration into society.
For further information, visit the Ministry of Justice’s page on HMP Bure.
Visit our other prison pages such as HMP Bullingdon
Sources:
-
-
Sale!Prison Products
Prison Survival Guide
Original price was: £2.99.£1.99Current price is: £1.99. Add to basket -
Sale!Prison Products
Cat D Prison Tool Kit
Original price was: £2.99.£1.99Current price is: £1.99. Add to basket -
Sale!Prison Products
Secret Prisoner Book
Original price was: £2.99.£1.99Current price is: £1.99. Add to basket
