Among the five prisons restricted to adults, the Central Prison, as indicated by its name, is the most important one. In fact, it accommodates the largest number of detainees. It is a maximum security prison which came into operation on the lst of May 1887. Every man, sentenced to imprisonment, is sent to the Central Prison situated at Beau-Bassin. Depending either upon the nature of the crime committed, his previous offences or his police record, he may be transferred to another penal institution.
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Richelieu Open Prison
This open prison is characterized firstly by an absence of physical barriers for it is bounded by a thin metallic fence, and secondly by a system of rehabilitation based on self-discipline and the development of the detainees' sense of responsibility. In this institution, the detainees have the opportunity to learn and be engaged in different jobs. There is also a farm where the detainees can acquire basic knowledge of cattle and pig breeding.
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This prison, situated at Grand River North West, was inaugurated on the 10th of October 1995. It is a maximum security prison and can accommodate 325 detainees. Actually, there are 171 untried detainees, and about 40 convicted detainees are located there to perform minor works.
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Petit Verger Prison
Petit Verger Prison is a medium security prison which can accommodate 416 detainees. It became operational in 1982. In this institution, apart from the daily routine works, detainees have the possibility to be trained in cattle, sheep and goat rearing as well as in agriculture. There is also a brick factory where many of the detainees work.
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Phoenix Prison
Phoenix is a high security prison. It became operational on the 10th of December 1980 and can accommodate a maximum of 25 detainees. Detainees committing aggravated prison defaults and those who are either considered as incorrigible or exercising bad influences on others are segregated here.
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Women Prison
This prison became operational on the 11th of May 1951. It can accommodate a maximum of 146 female detainees. It is worth mentioning that during the period preceeding the opening of the actual Women Prison, the female prisoners were detained at Port-Louis Prison, in Maillard Street where a small yard was reserved for them.
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Correctional Youth Centre
The Correctional Youth Centre, previously known as "Borstal", is situated at Barkly, Beau-Bassin. This institution keeps in safe custody young male offenders from 16 to 21 years of age who because of their criminal tendencies and association with anti-social elements, need to be put under constant supervision and under such instruction and discipline as appear most conducive to their reformation. The system of training aims at strengthening character and is based on progressive trust towards the development of self discipline and self responsibility.
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Rehabilitation Youth Centre
In fact, there are two rehabilitation centres, one for boys and the other for girls. These centres, situated at Barkly in two different yards, accommodate boys and girls below 16 and 18 years respectively who are found guilty of criminal tendencies and association with anti-social elements, or indulging in deviant behaviours. Besides, children who no longer submit to parental authority, are sent there on the advice of the Probation Service.
On their release, the Probation Service provides supervision over these juvenile delinquents in order to facilitate their integration in society. Apart from the vocational training received during their detention, the children have the possibility to indulge in activities which help them to acquire a sense of responsibility and self-discipline.
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New Wing Prison
The New Wing is a high security prison. It adjacent to the Central Prison Beau Bassin. It is operational since the 6 March, 2003 .It can accommodate 248 detainees.
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