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The current States Prison became operational in 1989 when it moved from the island capital, St Peter Port to a purpose built building in the northern parish of St Sampson. By most standards it is a small prison which contains a cross-section of offenders of either gender. The accommodation area of the prison is divided into nine small units and the largest normally houses twelve persons. The Prison Service is administered politically by the States elected body known as the Home Affairs Committee. Given that the island is a separate legal jurisdiction from the U.K. mainland the Prison Rules are different.

The regime of the prison is based on a model of recognition for appropriate behaviour and this is widely known as an "Incentives and Privileges" scheme. Prisoners are given the incentive of earning additional privileges for co-operating with the Prison Service and conforming to the rules.

Visiting times change from time to time and prospective visitors to the Prison are advised to contact us for up to date information.

Prisoners have the ability to organise their own visits and they make their own arrangements.

The inmates have access to card operated telephones which gives them improved access to relatives and friends whom they wish to visit them. All adult visitors are required to carry some proof of identity when visiting the Prison and are also advised that searching procedures are undertaken on any visitor to the prison

The prison population is diverse and the numbers of inmates can vary from a minimum of forty to in excess of eighty. The Prison Service cares for juveniles (14-16 years old), Young Offenders (17-21 years old) and adults. In addition to remand and convicted persons of either gender the Prison also caters for Police Untried Prisoners prior to their appearance in court. The demands on the Service are further increased by housing sex offenders and vulnerable prisoners in separate wings for their own protection.

The staffing establishment consists of one governing Governor, two Assistant Governors, three Principal Officers, six Senior Officers and 39 discipline staff. Additionally there are two Catering Officers and three Works Officers. One Works Officer supervises and instructs carpentry in the purpose built prison workshop and the other Works Officer occupies inmates on the prison horticultural site which includes two commercial size greenhouses. The inmates are currently developing and landscaping a prison garden for the enjoyment of themselves and visitors and much of the material has been recycled from the old prison site and sourced from elsewhere in the community.

The Medical department consists of three Healthcare staff dedicated to the medical needs of the inmates and a visiting medical practitioner who regularly undertakes prison based consultancies with inmates.

The administration of the prison is served by a part-time secretary and a part-time accounts person supported by a prison officer in the role of purchasing/stores officer.