NCJ Number
131811
Date Published
1991
Length
13 pages
Annotation
The daily routines and conditions in the Geldern Prison in the Federal Republic of Germany are described based on a week of observations.
Abstract
The prison started operation in 1979 and has space for 551 adult male inmates, all of whom are serious offenders and some of whom are serving life sentences. Prisoners come to Geldern after spending time in a special prison for allocation. Geldern Prison emphasizes education and vocational training. These programs are jointly developed by the criminal justice system, the Labor Exchange, and the organization of unions. Inmates work 8 hours and are paid about $5 per day. One hour per day is allowed for exercise. Food is adequate. Visitors are allowed twice each month for an hour each, with extended visits possible as well. Inmates are allowed to receive parcels of food and tobacco three times a year. Inmates with fewer than 18 months left to serve can take up to 21 days a year on home leave. The prison appears to be highly organized, and violence is rare. However, inmates experience psychological stress, probably because of incarceration's dual role of punishing and helping. Separating administrative and therapeutic decisions and increasing volunteers' roles would both be desirable. Note