Denmark faces severe shortage of correctional officers prompting unsupervised inmates in prisons

Denmark is facing a significant shortage of correctional officers, a situation that has persisted for a considerable time. This lack of personnel has led to inmates occasionally being unsupervised in their units, as staff are required to manage multiple sections of the prison concurrently. The Prison Federation reports that Nyborg Prison has been operating under a system known as “rundering,” where officers oversee several units, sometimes leaving one of them temporarily unattended.

Bo Yde Sørensen, the head of the Prison Federation, confirms that Nyborg is not alone in this issue, noting that inmates in various prisons can freely move about without supervision. He acknowledges that while the Federation initially approved the implementation of rounds, the ongoing staff shortage left no alternative.

The number of correctional officers in Denmark has dwindled to 1,875 last year, down from 2,646 in 2012. Most prison units house gang members and individuals convicted of violent crimes. When asked how long inmates might remain unsupervised, Sørensen refrained from providing specific details for safety reasons, emphasizing that while officers are not present 24/7, there is staff allocated to each unit.

Sørensen highlights the disturbing implications for inmate safety, reporting that assaults occur, and the fragmented supervision compromises timely responses. He reveals that there have indeed been instances of attacks without immediate officer intervention.

The Danish Prison and Probation Service declined to be interviewed but asserted that they have implemented measures to address staffing challenges, including rounds. They maintain that most common areas are monitored by cameras and emphasize their commitment to ensuring the safety of both staff and inmates.

Experts warn that this lack of supervision might also have broader societal impacts, as stable officer-inmate relationships can aid rehabilitation efforts. Bo Yde Sørensen criticizes the Prison Service for not taking proactive measures to retain staff, indicating that the crisis has been escalating for years.