The fact that prisons in Sweden are becoming increasingly crowded affects both staff and inmates. Higher workload generated in high staff turnover and an increased threat to staff are just a few consequences.
Earlier this year, the trade union Seko released a report on the Swedish Prison and Probation Service, which showed that six out of ten people working at class 1 institutions in the past year have been subjected to threats or violence.
"There is no air and it is a very tough situation for the staff," says Daniel Runsten, regional coordinator for the trade union Seko in Region East.
For the inmates, who often share a cell, the risk of confrontations has also become greater. Threats and violence between inmates have increased from 834 incidents to 1,223 in four years.
Experienced pull a bigger load
At Hällbyanstalten, five correctional officers have been given greater responsibility to bring in new employees after many experienced people left their posts. When staff turnover is so high, it puts extra strain on experienced staff.
"It's a tough environment to be in and it's a tougher clientele today. Many of the people you (media) write about who are out shooting are sitting here and many are demanding, says Peter Kjellin, head of Hällbyanstalten.
Locking up prisoners longer
One solution to get around the staffing crisis has been for institutions around the country to have had the opportunity to lock up the inmates two hours longer than the daily rest period.
At Hällby Prison, where it has been difficult to recruit staff, this has meant that they have managed with fewer correctional officers, but this approach is something that the Ombudsman has been critical of.
"We have to take in inmates. But I understand the criticism based on the legislation, but we have a reality that we have to relate to, says Peter Kjellin.
In the clip above, correctional officer Niklas Ådin tells how the Prison and Probation Service has lost its caring role when there is no time.