Norwegian jail where rehabilitation is the focus, rather than punishment

[MechanicalTheatre]

LINK

I found this really interesting. It seems that our reoffending rate here in the UK is 70%. While it seems counter intuitive to treat prisoners well, it seems like it might be working in Norway. Any opinions?

I think it's a great idea, punishment doesn't work or deter, rehabilitation works. The numbers speak for themselves.

I found this quote really interesting

"For the victim, the offender is in prison. That is justice. I'm not stupid. I'm a realist. Here I give prisoners respect; this way we teach them to respect others. But we are watching them all the time. It is important that when they are released they are less likely to commit more crimes. That is justice for society."

The idea of justice for society rather than individuals.

Though I can also see how it would be galling to be living hand to mouth with no luxuries while knowing criminals were being well looked after.

Punishment/imprisonment can end up, in my opinion, simply being about state-sanctioned revenge. Without support to make changes what's the point? Clearly there are people where public protection means they have to be incarcerated-although I dont think that is the case for lots of people inside currently-but the punishment consists of the restriction of liberty and I support all attempts to empower people to make changes whilst in prison.

we are a long way from that here