The cell has an area of six square metres. There is a bed, a wardrobe, a table, a chair and a bookcase. There are also a few personal items. The door has been locked since 8pm the previous day. But now it is 8am – breakfast time. Lunch is at 12 noon and dinner is at 5pm.
After dinner until lock-up, the prisoner can associate with other prisoners over a game of billiards or spend time in the gym. The rest of the time the inmate is obliged to participate in different programs. This could take the form of vocational training or participation in crime or substance abuse-related programs during working time.
Program activities
The aim of the program activities is to improve a prisoner's chances on the labour market and in society following release. The rest of the time the prisoner is obliged to participate in different programs.
Programs that provide experience
One of the most important prerequisites for a life without crime after serving a sentence is obtaining a job. In prison there are many alternatives when it comes to work and these cover a variety of trades, including engineering, woodworking, assembly, services, laundry and agriculture.
KrimProd is the common trading name used in the marketing and sale of products and services produced in prisons. The work is conducted on the same basis as a non-prison enterprise.
KrimProd's range includes store, warehouse and workshop furnishings, lockers, furniture made of steel and wood, road signs and barrier material. There is also extensive subcontracting. Visit
www.krimprod.se for further information.
Programs that change things
Many programs aim to prevent continued substance abuse or a return to crime. Alcohol, narcotics, violence and sexual offence-related programs are just some examples.
Programs that educate
Many prisoners do not have basic skills such as reading, writing and arithmetic. A large proportion of the theoretical education is at primary school level. In some prisons, it is possible to study at high school level or pursue university studies.
Contacts outside
An important part of treatment is of course contact with the outside world in the form of leave and activities outside the prison. Prisoners have different qualification periods before their first leave. There are then regular, short leave periods lasting three days.
Prisoners can also spend time outside the prison for other reasons, such as studies or care for abuse problems. It is also possible for the majority of inmates to be involved in different associations and societies.
Contacts on the inside
Even more usual is contact with the world outside through visits to the prison. There are, for example, special rooms where families can spend time together.
Children whose parents have been deprived of their liberty
Most children come to visit a parent who has been deprived of his or her liberty. Some children, however, have no choice but to stay in the institution where the parent is imprisoned. This parent will in almost every instance be the child's mother.
A great deal of contact between children and parents takes place by telephone and through postcards or tape recordings. However, it is essential that children can meet their parents – during leave of course, but also in the prison itself. It is also important that the meeting can take place in a setting that is as normal as possible. There are therefore special visiting rooms and apartments where children can spend time with their parents.