Drones are being used to deliver contraband for the first time and gangs are starting to form in a prison, according to the latest reports.

The Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) has said the influx of prisoners with backgrounds of serious crime has also increased the levels of violence and intimidation at HMP Rochester.

Despite the “worrying” concerns, the chairman of IMB Rochester said it is still a “stable and well-run prison”.

In its annual review, published today (August 7), the board has found that, from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, the facility is starting to face new challenges.

This includes the availability of contraband, including drugs, mobile phones and tobacco, with some being delivered via drones for the first time.

The report said this is a “new threat” the prison, in Fort Road, is dealing with, however, inspectors credited the “efforts” of the security department as they attempt to deter it.

This year, there were 15 reports of drone activity and 52 throw-overs - an increase from 27 incidents last year.

In its report, inspectors said the increase in illicit items is “due to an increase of people who would not have usually been permitted” at the category C prison.

HMP Rochester is a resettlement prison for adults and young adult men, however, the IMB reported there has been an influx of prisoners who would not have been considered suitable in the past.

In turn, this has meant violence and assaults using weapons, such as sharpened plastic cutlery and metal objects, have considerably risen, according to its review.

It stated there were 238 violent incidents recorded with much of these being caused by “drug-related debt and intimidation” and for the first time, the prison has gangs.

Despite this, inspectors stated HMP Rochester is still “considered to be a safe environment for prisoners” and the atmosphere remains positive.

It added: “The board continues to note the atmosphere is unthreatening, with groups of men chatting amiably with each other and with staff.”

Other concerns included the rise of self-harm incidents, a “significant lack of experience” amongst staff with many having little more than two years’ experience and a shortage of trainers which “undermines the role of HMP Rochester as a resettlement and training prison”.

Inspectors also found the majority of the buildings had “failing infrastructure” which is “just about meeting an acceptable level of accommodation”.

They reported a continuing issue with vermin with many prisoners making barricades to keep them out of rooms but it is understood contractors have been hired to control the situation.

However, the board did praise staff who deal with their residents “sympathetically and effectively“ and for the varied activities, such as the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, bee-keeping and choir singing, provided.

The chairman of IMB Rochester said: “To the credit of those working there, HMP Rochester has remained a stable and well-run prison during another challenging year.

“The availability of drugs and other contraband within the prison continues to be a serious problem, and the increased number of violent incidents at Rochester is worrying.

“While there has been some improvement in the range of activities and work that can be provided, it is disappointing to report that, in spite of the best efforts of the management team, these are still limited.

“The board is hopeful that more meaningful activity can be provided during the next 12 months.”

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson added: “Findings like these are exactly why the new Lord Chancellor has taken immediate action to get a grip of the situation across the prison estate, so we can lock up dangerous offenders, protect the public and make our prisons safer for hard-working staff.”