- What is most critical now is the staffing problem.
In several parts of the country, we are finding it extremely difficult to cope with existing staffing levels, says Vilhelm Grevik, head of planning at the Correctional Service.
According to the guidelines, an inmate should not be locked in his cell for more than twelve hours.
If that time is increased, it frees up staff.
- It produces effects.
This allows us to reduce staffing and at the same time maintain a high level of security, says Vilhelm Grevik.
Created a bad mood
This summer, the Correctional Service was forced to deviate from the lock-up times at the Salberga prison for the first time.
Lack of staff meant that the inmates were locked in the cells an hour earlier in the evening and released an hour later in the morning.
This meant that the situation was resolved then, but also led to some bad atmosphere between the staff and the inmates.
- Increased lockdown can be nice, to get away from noise in the ward, but it can also be perceived as intervention, says Vilhelm Grevik.
Several measures are to be investigated
In addition to the lock-in times, they are also looking at various types of efficiency improvement and whether staff-intensive establishments can lend staff to those in need.
- Now we have to look at all these different initiatives and we need to investigate them quite quickly, says Vilhelm Grevik.
In the coming year, the lack of places in detention centers and institutions may ease a little, the head of planning believes.
- But the staffing problem will be permanent for a long time.
See and hear more in the video above.