Pictures from Norwegian prisons and some facts

This new state of the art prison holds some of Norways hardest criminals. It's changed bars in font of windows for hardened glass. (Halden prison)

A view from one the kantinas

Normal cell block hallway

This is the cells they live in. Everyone get their own cell with a small TV and private bathroom with shower (Halden prison)

Different side

Some of the older cells in Oslo prison (botsen prison)

Banksy did some artwork in the yard (Halden prison)

Chilling with some games with the staff (Halden)

The apartment prisoners get to use when they have sleepover visits from family

Common room with a small kitchen for snacks etc

Another chill out spot. We belive that treating people with respect and normalizing the situation in prison will make it easier to integrate with society again when released

The boys chilling out.

A inmate gets some help during art class. In Norway we try to keep 50/50 men and women in staff to diffuse tension that might occur in a all male prison.

I love the dude in the back just chilling with his shorts.

Out in the yard. The staff usually join in the game and fun. They are also very seldom armed with anything. I tried to Google it, but I don't think it's been anyone killed in a Norwegian prison since the 70s.

A personal trainer / therapist is offered once a week. A lot of the inmates with aggressive tendencies have easier to open up and talk while blowing off steam during workouts

Breakfasts time. Every block got its own kitchen, living room, lounge and yard. This is to keep smaller populations that goes well together and prevent fights.

I'm not sure if staff or inmates are more into the game. It's important for staff to hang out with the inmates to establish trust that goes both ways. Treat people with dignity and they treat you with respect.

Workshop class.

Not the best stocked library, but decent non the less.

Morning routines and hygiene is important stuff

The prison canteen where food is made by staff and inmates. They all eat the same food.

Where the magic happens.

Some inmates work on stuff like repairing and maintaining the police cars. They can also get education and important knowledge that will help them get jobs while outside.

Prison toothfairy

Or you can start a prison band!

Staffroom

Some chill out spot. Think this won a architect award, personally I find the colours a bit depressing

Some old cell in Sarpsborg prison I think.

Old picture, but this is a "close to release" cell for the inmates who soon is let out. This is used to acclimatise them and give a more sense of normal housing they will face when released.

That sofa looks damn comfy.

This is a inmate with a "inmate assistant ", this is volunteers who hang out with prisoners that got a hard time coping. It's both therapeutical, prevents depression and suicide and a nice way to meet a friend. These "assistants" usually helps the inmates get used to the outside world as well when they are released.

Some of the older cells

This is bastøy (bastoy) min security prison. It's located on an island and don't got any fences or bars. Prisoners are allowed to roam free during the day. Some tries to escape a few times, but it's a pretty long swim.

Most of them just chill out.

Cat tax.

The philosophy in Norwegian prisons are that even though stripped of your freedom, you are still a human and will be treated with the same respect and dignity as those on the outside. You have the same rights as any other citizen, and this is just a period of your life and our goal is to rehabilitate and help you back into society.

It's a big system that helps with finding a job, housing, therapy and education.

And I think this way of treating people is why we have some of the world's lowest relapse rate.

There are about 4500 prisoners in Norwegian prisons at any time, both for shorter and longer stays.

I'm not saying we are perfect in any way, and there are fights, drugs etc in our prisons too, but I think we are on the right path. Keep people out of prison not in them.

Sorry for potato English

Tl;dnr: treat people nice and give opportunity to change

FP edit :

So nice to see so many liked the post!!
Is this where i ask for things? well, if any are in a position to hire people, give a ex inmate a chance! Let them earn a living, support their famillies. I promise fewer will go back to crime.

Also, im a bit worried by collage living situations in the US, by the looks of the comments.