The Ministry of Interior intends to make sweeping changes to the correctional service aimed at ensuring the humane treatment of prisoners while improving conditions for prison staff over the next three years.
The State Department for Correctional Services in its Strategic Plan 2023-2027 unveiled on Friday, December 13, outlines changes that will transform the country's prison system, shifting the focus from punitive measures to rehabilitation and reintegration.
Key among these reforms is the construction of 28,000 housing units for prison staff through public-private partnerships (PPP) and government funding. The government also plans to build staff houses at 121 stations to address chronic accommodation shortages.
“The State Department will construct staff houses in 121 stations through government allocation and 28,000 units under affordable housing and public-private partnerships across the country,” the plan notes.
The housing initiative aims to alleviate the struggles of officers who have long endured inadequate and overcrowded accommodations. This is expected to boost morale and improve service delivery.
Healthcare for both staff and inmates also features prominently in the strategy. The government plans to construct and equip health facilities across correctional facilities while recruiting and deploying additional medical personnel.
According to the plan, “The State Department contributes to this pillar through the construction and equipping of health facilities in various correctional facilities across the country.”
To combat mental health challenges among inmates, the government will establish specialised mental health treatment wings in prisons. Two such wings will be constructed in the first year, with further expansions planned over subsequent years. These efforts are complemented by a commitment to provide comprehensive medical insurance for staff and pharmaceutical supplies for offenders.
Capacity development for prison officers is another cornerstone of the reforms. Over 11,000 uniformed officers and 600 probation officers will be recruited and trained during the plan period. The Strategic Plan highlights, “The State Department enhanced capacity development through recruiting, training, and deploying 11,527 uniformed officers, 233 Civilian staff (chaplains), and 600 probation officers.”
Promotions and professional development will also take centre stage, with 4,833 officers scheduled for promotional courses. Uniform distribution for officers and the expansion of training programmes underline the government’s focus on building a trained and well-equipped workforce.
Officers’ welfare is further addressed through the establishment of contributory benevolent funds for families of terminally ill or deceased staff members. Affordable housing mortgages and life insurance covers for officers on duty are also in the pipeline, signalling a broader commitment to social security.
The government has not overlooked the needs of inmates in its transformation agenda. Improved prison infrastructure, vocational training, and formal education will ensure offenders are equipped with skills to re-enter society successfully.
The plan emphasises humane custody, stating, “Containment, supervision, rehabilitation, and reintegration of offenders will create a safer society where investments will thrive.”
