Stock Farm Prison

Stock Farm Prison, also known as the State Prison, is Dominica’s primary correctional facility, situated in Stock Farm, a few minutes north of Roseau in Saint George Parish. Functioning under the Government of Dominica, this institution plays a pivotal role in the island’s judicial, criminal, and rehabilitative frameworks.
Location and Strategic Importance
Located along the Stock Farm Prison Road, the prison shares the vicinity with key institutions like the Dominica State College, Stock Farm Playing Field, and residential areas such as Goodwill, Yam Piece, and Tarish Pit. Its placement offers secure seclusion while maintaining accessibility to the courts and capital.
Jurisdiction and Administration
Managed by the Dominica Prison Service, under the Ministry of National Security and Legal Affairs, the prison houses:
- Convicted adult male and female offenders
- Persons held on remand pending trial (under the Criminal Procedure Act)
- Individuals awaiting bail decisions (subject to the Bail Act)
- Short-term detainees serving sentences for summary offences
It operates under the laws of Dominica, coordinated through courts such as the Roseau Magistrate’s Court, the St. Joseph Magistrate’s Court, and the High Court of Justice.
Rehabilitation and Programmes
Stock Farm Prison has gradually shifted from a purely punitive model toward correction and reintegration. Active rehabilitation programs include:
- Carpentry and basic woodworking
- Agriculture and food production for internal use
- Adult education and literacy classes
- Mental health counselling
- Religious services and chaplaincy
- Community re-entry preparation (for selected inmates)
Several local NGOs and churches contribute to the programming, aiming to reduce recidivism and promote skill development.
Historical Timeline of Stock Farm Prison
- Early 20th Century: Detention of prisoners was primarily conducted at the old colonial jail facility in Roseau.
- 1960s–70s: With urban expansion and modernization needs, construction begins on a new facility in Stock Farm.
- 1975: The Stock Farm Prison is formally opened as Dominica’s main correctional facility.
- 1980s: Following Hurricane David, the prison suffered infrastructural damage, prompting temporary overcrowding and regional support.
- 1990s: Inmate vocational programs and literacy initiatives begin in partnership with local NGOs.
- 2000s–2010s: Concerns about overcrowding and conditions begin surfacing in civil society and media reports.
- 2020s: A review of national prison reform includes renewed interest in juvenile and non-custodial alternatives.
Capacity and Conditions
- Design Capacity: Estimated at approximately 150 inmates
- Actual Population: Often exceeds capacity, with 190–210 inmates housed during peak periods
- Cells: Divided among male, female, and remand wings; limited segregation for high-risk detainees
- Staffing: Managed by the Dominica Prison Service, with a mix of trained corrections officers and civilian support staff
- Recent Upgrades: Minor infrastructural reinforcement, fencing, and sanitation upgrades since 2019
Recent Policy Updates and Focus Areas
- Rehabilitation First: The Ministry of National Security has emphasized inmate training and rehabilitation as a key pillar of prison reform.
- Restorative Justice: There have been moves to explore restorative justice frameworks, especially in youth and first-time offender cases.
- Digital Records Management: Improvements in record-keeping, case tracking, and parole processing have been introduced.
- Mental Health and Vulnerable Inmates: Provisions for more specialized support and classification for mentally ill and high-risk inmates are being discussed.
Legacy and Ongoing Role in National Security
Stock Farm Prison remains a pivotal institution in Dominica’s justice system, not only as a secure facility for offenders, but also as a reflection of national efforts to balance accountability with rehabilitation. Its proximity to Roseau and its linkages to Dominica’s judicial, educational, and social development systems position the prison at the intersection of law enforcement and human rights. As discussions continue about modernizing correctional infrastructure, introducing alternative sentencing, and enhancing inmate welfare, Stock Farm Prison will likely remain central to future reforms in criminal justice across the island.