Three Dutch prisons start one-year pilot with less security
A one-year pilot gives selected inmates in Middelburg, Veenhuizen and Ter Apel more independence, so the prison service can deploy its staff where they are needed most.
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Illustrative photo: Anthony Ruijtenbeek / CC BY-SA 4.0
A one-year pilot is starting in three prisons: Torentijd in Middelburg, and the prisons in Veenhuizen and Ter Apel. A group of inmates there will get more independence and less security and support, the prison service DJI says.
The pilot is part of the Actieplan Ruimte voor Recht, which aims to solve the capacity problems in Dutch prisons.
Ter Apel has the most inmates in the pilot
Inmates
Ter Apel has the most inmates in the pilot (inmates). Highest: Ter Apel, 36; lowest: Torentijd (Middelburg), 12; 3 items. Source: DJI.
View data
| Item | Inmates |
|---|---|
| Torentijd (Middelburg) | 12 |
| Veenhuizen | 24 |
| Ter Apel | 36 |
Inmates are selected on set criteria. Clear agreements are made with them on behaviour, taking responsibility and keeping to agreements.
During the pilot, the inmates can use the recreation room on their own and must divide fixed tasks among themselves. They also get more opportunities to prepare for life after release (re-integration).
Jannine van den Berg, DJI's director of prisons and immigration detention, says not every inmate needs the same level of security, guidance and support. "If we distinguish better, we can deploy our staff where they are needed most," she says. She calls the experience of staff in the pilot "hugely important" for learning what works and what it asks of staff and inmates.
The number of incidents and the sense of safety will be monitored during the year. The findings will be used to develop the concept further and eventually roll it out nationwide.
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