Based on previous preliminary assessments, in the capacity report, the Prison Administration has counted on proposals for more prison years.
We have laid a plan that we will build from 11,000 places today to 29,000 in ten years' time. Then we have counted in the effects of, among other things, this reform, says Martin Holmgren.
The Prison Administration is facing a major expansion.
In broad terms, we have said that we believe we can carry out the plan, but it depends on the choices made by the government and the reforms they decide on and the tempo.
The proposed changes to the law are expected to come into effect on January 1, 2028.
This means that it will have an effect on us later in time, something we have accepted in the investigation, says Martin Holmgren.
Doubled workforce
In line with the expansion, the Prison Administration will also double its workforce.
This applies to both recruiting and retaining the skilled staff we have.
At present, the authority considers itself capable of recruiting new staff.
We are growing by 2,000 employees per year and have managed to raise the salaries for prison guards and other, as we call it, client-facing positions.
To achieve this in a ten-year perspective, we need to find new ways of working, digitize more, and we are looking at the possibility of building large prisons with space for 1,000-1,500 inmates where we can operate with lower staff density.
“Hardly pressed”
According to the union Seko, which represents 5,500 prison guards, a close dialogue with the Prison Administration is necessary if the proposals are to be implemented.
This will further increase the pressure on the Prison Administration, which is already heavily strained, says Gabriella Lavecchia, chairman of Seko, and emphasizes that it is important to allow the necessary time.
In a rapid pace, one needs to build new prisons, detention centers, and institutions, but one must also invest heavily in improving working conditions for prison guards.
Lavecchia highlights, among other things, working hours and higher compensation and salaries to attract new employees and at the same time retain the staff that already exists.
The proposals are now to be put out for consultation, where, among other things, the Prison Administration will be asked for its opinion.
