NCJ Number
169356
Journal
American Jails Volume: 9 Issue: 4 Dated: (September-October 1995) Pages: 88-91
Date Published
1995
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The prison system of the Netherlands is discussed with respect to its nature, policies, and the impacts of two long-term developments, a shortfall in prison capacity and the increasing seriousness of the offenses for which inmates were convicted.
Abstract
The Dutch penal system has long had a relatively low incarceration rate. In addition, regimes in Dutch prisons are perceived as liberal in comparison with those in other countries, particularly because of the policy principle of one inmate per cell. However, the political and social context has changed in the last decade. Fiscal restrictions combined with an increasing law-and-order mentality in the public have made it increasingly difficult to maintain the prison system at a level befitting the Dutch reputation for penal tolerance. Prisons now operate at full capacity, while today's inmates pose new challenges to correctional personnel. The adverse trends have continued and have been augmented by highly publicized escapes and increasing inmate violence. The escapes made clear the political necessity to change the perception of incompetence in the prison system. These events and trends led to a new corrections policy in 1994. Prison capacity will be expanded, security is being increased, and prisons will use a standardized regime in which inmate labor is central. The policy de-emphasizes rehabilitation and focuses on security and efficiency. While academics have denounced the new plan, but its significance will be determined largely by the way corrections administrators implement it.