Smuggling in drugs and other contraband remains a “serious problem” at a prison despite the introduction of airport-style checks and more sniffer dogs.

But Rochester Prison is described as having “a safe and decent” environment with a positive and unthreatening atmosphere, according to independent inspectors.

Recorded incidents of violence increased after Covid restrictions were lifted at the male resettlement Cat C institution for adults and young men.

It has suffered from a lack of trained staff able to carry out their jobs, which includes preparing prisoners for the outside world through drug rehabilitation and training programmes.

In its 2022/23 annual report published today, the Rochester Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) reports that staff deal sympathetically and effectively with prisoners, some of whom have complex needs that are difficult to meet.

However, the Board also raised a number of concerns, notably the availability of contraband including drugs, mobile phones and tobacco and the brewing of fermented liquid (known as hooch) continues to have a serious impact on the work of the prison.

It noted because of its open location, it was relatively easy to throw items over the walls which became a common occurrence when netting was damaged by heavy snow in December.

Many of the buildings are Edwardian and are structurally poor, hard to maintain, dilapidated and some with mould while four additional new wings have ongoing problems with ventilation and heating.

It found that with a budget of £2.70 per person quality food was served in the canteen and the outdoor space and gyms provided good activity facilities.

All personal mail is photocopied before it reaches a prisoner, in order to limit the amount of drug-impregnated paper entering the prison.

Birthday cards have to be sent via a mail company such as Moonpig. Items of clothing such as labels, socks and underwear are also scanned as these can be sources of drugs.

Intelligence-led searching of wings and cells has produced good results in finding contraband, and, has been disruptive to the “illicit trades” which are carried out within the prison.

Fermenting liquid (‘hooch’) continues to be an issue causing drunkenness and associated violence.

‘The availability of drugs and other contraband within the prison continues to be a serious problem’

There is an average of 11 finds per month, and each find is of a significant quantity, sometimes 60 litres plus of high alcohol content.

Searches on the wings by trained “hooch” dogs, provided by a prison area team, have been particularly successful.

After the easing of lockdown restrictions, 125 incidents of violence were recorded between April and January, compared to 133 for the entire previous year.

A total of 55 weapons were found, including sharpened pieces of plastic cutlery and razor-bladed items, compared to 36 and 32 in previous years.

Susan Fitzjohn, 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.

“The limited range of activities and work that can be provided is disappointing, in spite of the best efforts of the management team, and consequently the prison has been unable to meet its remit as a resettlement prison.

“Hopefully a wider range of meaningful activity can be provided at the prison than in the past.”

The prison houses up 700 men, the majority aged below 39 and just a few over 60.