• The “release support structure” (SAS), inaugurated on Tuesday in Montpellier, is a new type of prison establishment intended to promote the reintegration of prisoners at the end of their sentence.

  • "It is extremely important that there are, between prison life and release, these support structures which allow reintegration", explained the Keeper of the Seals, Eric Dupond-Moretti.

  • Prisoners will be able to meet staff from the Pôle Emploi and various social services there.

    They will be able to move freely in their accommodation unit.

The Keeper of the Seals and Minister of Justice Eric Dupond-Moretti inaugurated Tuesday in Montpellier a "support structure towards the exit" (SAS).

This is a new type of penitentiary establishment designed to promote the reintegration of prisoners at the end of their sentence.

Built in two years, at a cost of 23 million euros, it will accommodate by "April at the latest" 150 detainees "at the end of their sentence or serving sentences of less than two years", specified the Keeper of the Seals. during an inaugural visit, in the presence of the political, judicial and police authorities of the department.

Hyphen between “prison life and release”

This new establishment is part of a plan to create 15,000 net prison places by the end of Emmanuel Macron's five-year term, including 1,800 places in the 14 SAS that the country will then have, in particular in Avignon (Vaucluse), Valence (Drôme) or even Meaux (Seine-et-Marne) at first, explained Mr. Dupond-Moretti.

"It is extremely important that there are, between prison life and release, these support structures which allow reintegration", explained the Keeper of the Seals.

“The goal is to have as few recurrences as possible.

And we know that when the releases are "dry" - the detainee has finished his sentence, he recovers his freedom but without a diploma, without work, without help - there is statistically more risk of seeing the recidivism, "added the former lawyer .

Free movement of inmates within their unit

Currently four SAS exist in France, the structures of Poitiers, Bordeaux and Longuenesse (Pas-de-Calais) having followed the pioneer, installed within the Marseille prison of Baumettes.

In Montpellier, this new two-storey building with a white and beige facade is part of a semi-residential district of homes, small businesses and university and hospital establishments, on the outskirts of Montpellier.

Inside, the cells with one or two beds have a shower room, a desk and shelves.

The structure also has rooms reserved for study, sport and worship, as well as offices where prisoners can meet staff from the Pôle Emploi and various social services.

Detainees will be able to move freely in their accommodation unit, go to the various services and take their meals collectively, thanks to common areas.

Similarly, prisoners will be able to use a small football field and sports equipment outdoors.

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  • Justice

  • Jail

  • Montpellier

  • Occitania

  • Languedoc Roussillon

  • Inmates

  • Eric Dupond Moretti