HMP Whitemoor is a maximum security prison for Category A and B men. The prison focuses on settlement (helping those convicted of serious offences to make positive use of long sentences) and resettlement (reducing the risk of reoffending through assessment, work, education and offending behaviour programmes).

HMP Whitemoor opened in 1991 and is part of the Long Term High Security Estate and includes an Offender Personality Disorder Unit (OPDU).  This unit is part of the national DSPD Programme of the Health Partnerships Directorate, providing thorough assessment and a fully worked out treatment model. 

Whitemoor also houses a Close Supervision Centre (CSC). The unit prepares prisoners who pose a severe risk to others, to return to a normal prison environment.