NCJ Number
160100
Journal
European Journal on Criminal Policy and Research Volume: 3 Issue: 4 Dated: (1995) Pages: 73-90
Date Published
1995
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This article examines the degree to which the European Prison Rules (EPR) have been implemented in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe.
Abstract
The EPR seeks "to establish a range of minimum standards for all those aspects of prison administration that are essential to humane conditions and positive treatment in modern and progressive systems," to stimulate prison administrations to develop good policies and practice, to encourage professional attitudes among staff, and to create conditions in which they can optimize their own performance. The EPR also provide realistic criteria against which inspections of conditions and management can judge performance and measure progress. In seeking to introduce reform following the political changes of 1989-91, Central and Eastern European countries have faced a number of obstacles in applying the EPR. One obstacle has been the legacy of totalitarianism. In addition, changes in patterns and levels of crime have provoked much public concern and increased institutional populations. Despite these obstacles, criminal justice experts in seven countries visited for a recent study (Walmsley, 1995) reported that the progress made in the last few years has been extensive. The most important developments concern the organizational structure within which the prison system is administered, the policies and attitudes of the national prison administrations themselves, and the work of the personnel in the penal institutions. Still, problems currently faced by the prison administrations in Central and Eastern Europe are many and often serious. The size of and continued increase in the numbers held in the penal institutions constitute the greatest problem. The state of the buildings and their need for refurbishment compound problems due to overcrowding, as do the limited resources available to improve prison conditions. Other problems are the recruiting and retaining of high quality staff. In several countries there is concern about the prevalence of tuberculosis in the institutions and the shortage of medical equipment and medicines with which to treat it. The finding of suitable employment for prisoners is also a current problem. 3 tables and 8 references