HMP Frankland

HMP Frankland is one of the most high-profile and secure prisons in the United Kingdom. Located in Brasside, County Durham, this Category A men’s prison is home to some of the most dangerous and high-risk offenders in the country. Known for its strict security, complex inmate population, and intensive rehabilitation efforts, HMP Frankland stands as both a symbol of justice and a reminder of the challenges faced within the UK prison system.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to HMP Frankland, including its history, purpose, population, facilities, rehabilitation programs, visiting rules, and how to contact the prison. Whether you’re a family member, legal professional, or simply seeking to understand more about UK prisons, this in-depth resource offers a factual, easy-to-understand overview.

About HMP Frankland

HMP Frankland opened in 1983 as a high-security facility, originally designed to relieve pressure on the UK’s growing prison population. Over time, it developed a specific focus: housing Category A and high-risk Category B prisoners. These are individuals considered the most serious offenders, often sentenced for violent crimes, terrorism-related offences, or multiple murders.

Frankland is part of the “High Security Estate” in England and Wales, a network of maximum-security facilities that includes HMP Belmarsh, HMP Full Sutton, and HMP Wakefield. It plays a key role in containing prisoners who are considered a serious threat to public safety, requiring tight security protocols and long-term incarceration strategies.

Calls From HMP Frankland

Prison calls from HMP Frankland can be expensive, especially when inmates are calling mobile phones. Like most UK prisons, Frankland uses a PIN phone system where prisoners must add credit to their account and are charged by the minute for each call. Calling a mobile often costs significantly more than calling a landline, which means phone credit can run out quickly — making regular contact difficult and costly for families. That’s where Prison Call can help. By providing a virtual landline number that forwards to your mobile, Prison Call ensures your loved one at HMP Frankland is only charged the cheaper landline rate. It’s quick to set up, works instantly once added to their PIN list, and can save families £100 or more a year on call costs — helping you stay connected without the financial strain.

HMP Frankland Facilities

HMP Frankland is situated in a rural area near Durham City, in the northeast of England. Its somewhat remote location provides both physical security and limited escape routes, which are vital considerations for Category A facilities.

The prison is designated as a Category A institution. This means it houses men whose escape would be highly dangerous to the public or national security. Many inmates at Frankland are serving life sentences or extremely long terms for offences such as murder, terrorism, rape, or large-scale organised crime.

Who Is Held At HMP Frankland?

HMP Frankland has a complex inmate population. While exact figures are not made public for security reasons, the prison holds around 800–900 prisoners at any given time. These individuals are often considered the most challenging in terms of behaviour, security risks, or mental health needs.

Frankland is known for housing some of the UK’s most infamous inmates. Over the years, this has included names such as:
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- Ian Huntley, convicted of the Soham murders
- Michael Adebolajo, one of the men who murdered Lee Rigby
- Levi Bellfield, convicted serial killer
- Wayne Couzens, former police officer convicted of murdering Sarah Everard

These high-profile inmates underscore the level of risk managed by Frankland’s staff and security systems.

Prison Layout And Security

Frankland is made up of multiple wings, each with its own specific purpose and regime. There are eight main residential wings along with a segregation unit and the Westgate Unit (a specialist wing for prisoners with severe personality disorders).

The prison is surrounded by high walls, razor wire, and equipped with CCTV surveillance, motion detectors, and patrol teams. Entry and movement within the prison are tightly controlled, and staff undergo extensive training in dealing with high-risk individuals.

Frankland’s security systems are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure compliance with Ministry of Justice standards. It is one of the most secure environments in the UK penal system.

Facilities And Daily Life Inside HMP Frankland

Despite its high-security status, HMP Frankland does offer facilities aimed at maintaining basic quality of life and supporting rehabilitation.

Inmates live in single or double-occupancy cells. Cells include a bed, toilet, small desk, and limited personal belongings. Most prisoners spend a large part of their day in their cells, though they may be allowed to participate in education, work, or exercise depending on their status and behaviour.

Prisoners receive three meals per day, prepared on-site. Meals adhere to nutritional guidelines and cater for religious or medical dietary needs. The prison also has a healthcare unit staffed by trained medical professionals offering GP-style services, mental health support, and access to external hospitals in emergencies.

Exercise yards are available and prisoners typically get one hour per day of outdoor time. Recreation facilities include sports equipment, a gym (with strict access controls), and limited access to books, games, and TV depending on privilege levels.

The Westgate Unit: A Specialist Mental Health Wing

One unique feature of HMP Frankland is the Westgate Unit, which was created in partnership with the NHS to address the complex mental health needs of some prisoners.

The unit is specifically designed for men diagnosed with severe personality disorders who pose a high risk to others. These prisoners often cannot be managed safely in regular prison wings but don’t meet the criteria for secure psychiatric hospitals. The Westgate Unit blends security with psychological treatment, offering structured therapy with the goal of reducing risk and supporting rehabilitation.

This facility reflects the growing awareness of the intersection between mental health and criminal justice, and the need for tailored approaches within the prison system.

Education, Work, And Rehabilitation

Even within a high-security setting, rehabilitation remains a goal. HMP Frankland provides:

Basic education: literacy, numeracy, and functional skills
Vocational training: such as painting, decorating, and cleaning certifications
Prison jobs: cooking, laundry, maintenance roles
Offending behaviour programmes: anger management, drug addiction recovery, and thinking skills courses

For prisoners serving long sentences, especially those with no release date, rehabilitation might focus more on behaviour management and psychological health than reintegration into society. However, access to education and structured routines still play a vital role in prison management and mental stability.

Family Contact And Visits

Maintaining contact with family is encouraged, but tightly controlled.

All visits must be booked in advance and require a valid photo ID. Visitors go through a thorough security check before entry, and personal items must be stored in lockers outside the visiting area. Visit sessions typically last 1–2 hours and occur on designated days each week. Physical contact is allowed only at the start and end of the visit, and all conversations are monitored. Rules around visits may change depending on the prisoner’s status, security concerns, or broader restrictions such as those implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. Children are permitted to visit but must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Family support workers and play areas may be available during family visits.

Inmates can maintain contact with approved individuals via phone and post. Phone calls must be made using the prison’s PIN phone system. Prisoners must add credit to their phone account and have numbers approved by staff. Letters are censored and checked for security purposes. To help reduce call costs, families often use services like Prison Call, which provide a virtual landline number that allows prisoners to call mobiles at the cheaper landline rate.

Challenges And Criticisms

Like many UK prisons, HMP Frankland has faced a range of challenges over the years. Despite being a high-security facility, it has struggled with overcrowding due to the high demand for Category A prison space, placing significant strain on its resources. Staffing pressures have also been an ongoing issue, with periods of under-staffing and difficulties in retaining experienced officers. Mental health needs remain a major concern, as a large percentage of inmates have severe psychological issues that require specialist care—support that isn’t always adequately resourced. Additionally, due to the high-risk nature of its inmate population, incidents of violence or threats toward staff and other prisoners occur more frequently than in lower-security prisons. Despite these challenges, HMP Frankland has been recognised for efforts to modernise. Recent inspection reports have highlighted progress in areas such as healthcare provision, expanding rehabilitative programs, and increased investment in staff training—all pointing to a prison actively working toward improvement.

Contact Details For HMP Frankland

If you need to get in touch with HMP Frankland for visit bookings or general enquiries, use the following details:

Address:HMP Frankland, Brasside, Durham, DH1 5YD
Main switchboard: 0191 376 5000
Visit bookings: Call 0191 376 5048
Official website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/frankland-prison

HMP Frankland is not just another prison, it’s one of the UK’s most secure and complex facilities, holding men whose crimes have often shocked the public. It represents the serious end of the UK justice system, balancing the need for safety, order, and rehabilitation under extreme circumstances.

For families, friends, and professionals involved with someone inside Frankland, understanding the structure, rules, and routines of the prison is essential. While contact is limited and tightly controlled, it is still possible to support a loved one in prison—and tools like Prison Call make that connection easier and more affordable.