Did you know? In Halden prison in Norway, guards are encouraged to interact, play sports, and eat with the inmates. This is to prevent aggression and create a sense of family.

In Halden prison, located in Norway, a remarkable approach to penitentiary life has been adopted - guards are encouraged to interact, play sports, and even dine with the inmates. Contrary to traditional notions of prison life, this progressive approach aims to prevent aggression and create a sense of community within the prison walls. Halden prison’s unique philosophy challenges the conventional belief that strict separation between guards and inmates is necessary for maintaining order and security.

The concept behind this unconventional approach is to humanize the prison environment, fostering an atmosphere where inmates can experience rehabilitation rather than simply serving time. By promoting social interaction and emphasizing shared responsibilities, this model seeks to reduce acts of aggression, enhance respect, and ultimately, provide the inmates with better prospects of reintegration into society upon release.

The prison, which opened its doors in 2010, resembles a small village rather than a traditional prison complex. With its sprawling recreational areas, modern architectural design, and open living spaces, Halden fosters a sense of normality that differs from the stereotypical image of locked cells and hostile guards. The idea is to create an environment that, to the extent possible, approximates the outside world.

One of the key aspects contributing to the success of this approach is the emphasis on positive relationships between inmates and staff. By offering opportunities for interaction outside of traditional roles, such as participating in sports activities or sharing meals, barriers between personnel and prisoners gradually dissolve. This helps to humanize the guards in the eyes of the inmates, breaking down the perennial “us versus them” mentality and replacing it with a sense of camaraderie.

Beyond the mere humanization aspect, the social contact between guards and inmates fosters a deeper understanding of one another’s circumstances. In an interview with The Guardian, Jan Stromnes, a former superintendent at Halden prison, explained that this approach allows guards to identify and address potential issues that can contribute to aggression or unrest. For example, through these interactions, staff members are better equipped to recognize signs of mental health problems or anxiety, and they can provide necessary support to ensure calm and well-being within the prison community.

Critics argue that this unique approach to penitentiary life may compromise the safety and authority of the guards, questioning whether familiarity will breed disrespect or even exploitation. However, the success of Halden prison in reducing recidivism rates seems to indicate otherwise. Official figures show that the reoffending rate among inmates released from Halden is significantly lower compared to other Scandinavian prisons, reaching as low as 20% compared to the 70% average reported by the Norwegian Correctional Service.

By encouraging guards and inmates to build a bond, Halden prison exhibits an innovative and compassionate way of addressing the challenges of incarceration. Creating this sense of family, community, and shared responsibility has shown tangible positive outcomes, both within the prison walls and for individuals reintegrating into society. The Halden model challenges traditional perceptions and invites us to rethink the purpose and effectiveness of the penal system.

Although this forward-thinking approach may not be readily applicable to all correctional facilities globally, it can serve as a reminder that there are alternative paths to rehabilitation. By focusing on rehabilitation, rather than retribution, prisons have the potential to become more than mere warehouses for societal misfits. They can offer a genuine opportunity for transformation and reintegration, creating better outcomes for both inmates and society as a whole. The lessons from Halden prison offer a glimmer of hope in a world where incarcerated individuals are often forgotten or dismissed by society’s harsh judgment.