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New approaches in penitentiary care, Jiřice open prison model

Publication at Faculty of Education |
2022

Abstract

This innovative element was put into practice in the Czech Republic on November 1, 2017 in the Jiřice Prison, which was also in line with the goals of the "Concept of Czech Prisons by 2025". The pilot project of treatment in the Open Prison was preceded by long-term negotiations and cooperation with foreign partners of the Prison Service of the Czech Republic.

In 2016, the necessary administrative actions were carried out in the Czech Republic regarding the implementation of the so-called "Open Prison" pilot project with a target capacity of 104 accommodation places. A total of 17 buildings were built with a total built-up area of approx. 4,000 m2.

There are 13 accommodation facilities, one entrance multifunctional facility, one facility for operational and technical facilities and one facility for administration and professional treatment. The actual implementation of the first stage, which included the construction of 4 accommodation units and 1 administrative building, was started at the beginning of 2017.

Construction work began after the selection of a building contractor in July 2017, and on 13 October 2017 the building was completed and subsequently handed over for use. The capacity of the first stage of the "Open Prison" is 32 beds.

The OV concept is based on the necessary respect and mutual trust between convicts and prison staff. Convicts serve their prison terms in open prisons with minimal supervision.

The purpose of this study is to characterize and identify the applied specific approaches of professional employees to convicts during the resocialization process.