Oslo Prison Oslo prison numbers 2015 Capacity 415

Oslo Prison

Oslo prison numbers 2015 • Capacity: 415 • Number of nationalities: 55 • Number imprisonments : 1292 (1219) • Occupancy rates : 95. 5% (97. 3%) • Number of leaves: 300 (302) • Missed from leave: 0 (1) • Number of transportations by Officers: 5010 (5458)

Who lives in Oslo prison (26/10 -16)? • Number below 23 år +/- 50 • Number 15 – 18 år 1 • Average sentence 523 days • Average in custody 152 day • 195 Norwegian citizens • 218 Foreign citizens

Principle of normality in Norwegian corrections • The punishment is the restriction of liberty; no other rights have been removed by the sentencing court. Therefore the sentenced offender has all the same rights as all other who live in Norway. • No-one shall serve their sentence under stricter circumstances than necessary for the security in the community. Therefore offenders shall be placed in the lowest possible security regime. • During the serving of a sentence, life inside will resemble life outside as much as possible.

Progression towards reintegration • Progression through a sentence should be aimed as much as possible at returning to the community. The more closed a system is, the harder it will be to return to freedom. • Therefore one will proceed towards release gradually from high security prisons to lower security prisons and possible through halfway houses. • Release on license is stimulated, but adjusted due to individual risks etc.

Kriminalomsorgens sentrale forvaltning

Influence work Many of our prisoners have several problems mainly connected to drug abuse, psychiatry and general behaviour The group is often difficult to bring together outside prison When imprisoned we have the advantage that : § They are present § They are sober § They are often motivated for change § We are in a good position for guidance and corrections § We have different professionals with different competence available

Members of staff…. . The most important resource in the prison.

One of the keys is the personal contact officer

The personal contact officer • Inform the inmates on his rights and duties • Assess the needs and problem of the inmate • Motivate the inmate for change • And for making a sentence plan • Assist in preparing release

Contact officers role in the dynamic security Our experience: § We have created a culture that it is natural to participate in the prisoncommunity and that feels natural for both the inmates and staff. § We know the inmate and can detect abnormal behavior. § "Feel the pulse in the unit" § Can more easily influence inmates positively when you have a relationship.

Challenges § § § § Staff numbers Educated staff Buildings (1851 and on. . ) Activate prisoners Prevent damages from isolation Number of remands Number of foreigners (and their history) Kriminalomsorgens sentrale forvaltning