HMP Swansea

Key Contact Details

HMP Swansea was built between 1845 and 1861 as a Victorian local prison, replacing the earlier prison at Swansea Castle, and originally held both men and women until the women were transferred to Cardiff in 1922. It is now a Category B/C prison for young adult and adult men, with an operational capacity of around 475, though the Victorian buildings were only designed for about 219 prisoners, and most single cells now hold two men.

The Independent Monitoring Board’s most recent annual report found Swansea generally safe, with stable staffing and relatively low violence compared to similar prisons. Four deaths in custody occurred during the reporting period, three of them shortly after release, and the Board raised particular concern about prisoners with serious mental health needs being held in segregation for long periods because of a shortage of inpatient psychiatric beds. Persistent overcrowding in the ageing Victorian buildings continued to affect living conditions, and property complaints remained the most common issue raised for the third year running. On a more positive note, new admissions were being seen by staff within 72 hours, education leadership had improved, and the library gained Library of Sanctuary status.

Given the mental health concerns raised, families with a loved one at Swansea may find it worth asking directly about wellbeing during visits — the visitors centre and contact details above are the best way to arrange this.