Swedish Prisons Facing Acute Shortage of Space: Cells Designed for One Inmate Now Holds Two
The Swedish Correctional Service is currently facing a crisis as there is an acute shortage of places in prisons and detention centers across the country. In an effort to ease the situation, the Correctional Service has implemented a series of measures, one of which includes preparing cells larger than six square meters to accommodate two inmates.
However, this decision has raised concerns among experts in the field. Christer Hallqvist, chairman of Seko’s Department of Correctional Services, has warned about the risks associated with double-coating the cells. He described the situation as a potential “powder keg,” emphasizing that the cells are not designed to accommodate two inmates.
Hallqvist highlighted the increased risk of threats and violence when two inmates are locked up together, citing a previous rebellion at the prison in Tidaholm in the 1990s as an example. According to him, frustration due to a concentration of inmates already led to unrest in the past, and the introduction of double occupancy could exacerbate the situation.
In addition to doubling up cells, another measure taken by the Correctional Service is the conversion of two-thirds of the visiting rooms in institutions in security class 1 and 2 into cells. This move reflects the desperate need for more space to house inmates.
As the Correctional Service grapples with the shortage of space, concerns about the safety and well-being of both inmates and staff are becoming more pressing. The implementation of these measures has sparked a debate about the potential consequences and efficacy of the decisions made in response to the space shortage. It remains to be seen how the Correctional Service will address these concerns and ensure the safety and security of everyone involved.