NCJ Number
132299
Journal
Criminology Australia Volume: 1 Issue: 4 Dated: (April/May 1990) Pages: 10-13
Date Published
1990
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The goal in Swedish and Dutch prisons for violent offenders is to minimize the destructive effects of imprisonment by encouraging open dialogue between staff and inmates.
Abstract
Prison staff in both countries are required to try to understand and influence the behavior of violent offenders. In Sweden, this is done within the framework of a personal plan which must be formulated for each prisoner. Inmates are usually involved in the formulation of their personal plan, but plan implementation may involve a high degree of constructive confrontation between staff and inmates. In both Swedish and Dutch prisons, the prevailing view is that violence dissipates when it is denied the nourishment of counterviolence. Persistent aggression is met with equally stubborn and prompt self-protection. Open communication is the primary means of problem-solving. The associated social climate has encouraged the emergence of a sense of community as opposed to a mean-spirited "custodial warehouse." Staff and inmates can dialogue on any issue of mutual concern, including the prisoner's right to appeal to senior and independent authorities to overturn disciplinary, legal, and administrative decisions. Success is realized when staff know they can talk to an inmate without being insulted, spat on, or punched. 4 references