Development of Latvian prison system 17 October 2014

Historical aspects of the development of prison system Latvian prisons today Contemporary prisons - new challenges Development of Latvian prison system

1919 – July General Prisons Board The prison system development priorities February 4, the Progressive Punishment Execution System was introduced The Penal Law of Latvia became effective

1940 – 1945 Preliminary works for the establishment of correctional work colonies mass shootings of prisoners 1 October The rules for harmonization in domestic penal legislation with the German Penal Law

1945 – 1990 The transfer of the prisoners for execution of a sentence to the prisons of the Soviet Union In 1947 in the Latvian SSR there were 12 prisons with 7160 prisoners The task of the colonies task – to solve major economic problems rather than to solve penitentiary problems.

1945 – December Latvian SSR Corrective Labour Code According to the Corrective Labour Code acquisition of education and work in prison is mandatory

nowadays Radical changes in theory, law and practice of the criminal penalty execution. 15 December the Latvian Penalty Execution Code and Progressive execution of sentence. The institutions executing the sentence are renamed prisons

nowadays The aim of punishment is defined as the possibility to achieve conformity of the sentence execution regime with the behaviour and re-socialisation level of the convicted person in ensuring execution of the sentence, and his or her optimal involvement in life after release.

nowadays The concept of reforming the Prison ( ); The deep crisis in the prison system development has been overcome; Development of training of staff; International cooperation projects.

nowadays Harmonization of the norms of Criminal Law and amendments to the Sentence Execution Code of Latvia with international law, the Council of Europe and European Union recommendations.

Latvian prisons today The aim of the Administration Bureau is the effective re-socialization of the person who has been punished in the conditions of rule of law, justice and equality, as well as reduction of crimes committed by this person.

Changes in the number of prisoners

1 April Amendments to the Criminal Law, which are focused on reduction of mechanical prison population become effective The number of prisoners on (including: 1379 detainees and 3409 convicts)

The number of juvenile prisoners

Latvian prisons today According to the PA Order of “On the audit of premises in prisons" the committee was created which until performed the audit of prison cells and household premises. The maximum number of places in prisons is determined – The real filling – Changes are made in relation to prisoners placement. Proposals for changes in the law are prepared. The works are carried out to improve the living conditions and the works are planned for next year.

Latvian prisons today Citizens of the Republic of Latvia; Residents of the Republic of Latvia; Foreigners.

Latvian prisons today The proportion of the sentenced disabled of the total number of convicts

Latvian prisons today

The number of times, which a person has served a sentence in prison

Latvian prisons today Assessment of risks and needs Resocialization means: Education; Social assistance; Implementation of resocialization programs; Employment; Psychological care; Leisure-time activities; Spiritual care

Latvian prisons today The proportion of the prisoners involved in Educational programs of the total number of the prisoners to be educated

Contemporary prisons - new challenges Prison operational efficiency criteria; Personnel training and selection; Positive microclimate in prisons and dynamic security based on professional communication; Relapse as an indicator of effectiveness.

NFI project LV08 / 2 "New Unit at Olaine Prison, Including Construction and Staff Training” 3. Implementation of re-socialization activities 1. Staff Capacity Developme nt 2. Construc tion 4.Managament

Construction of a new prison Development of Contemporary prison infrastructure Staff Education and improvement of professional qualification Improvement of the legal framework of penalty execution

Labour market The Action Plan for the improvement of social rehabilitation of convicts for RVN RESOCIA- LISATION SUPPORT Improvement of laws and regulations Staff education Info- support Technologies

Thank you for your attention! Ilona Spure Chief of Prison Administration