According to the World Prison Brief, Finland has recorded the lowest per capita incarceration rate in the European Union. With just 52 people per 100,000 in some form of prison, Finland is one of the safest countries in the entire world. Moreover, the recidivism rate in the Nordic country is much lower compared to its European Union counterparts. All these have been attributed to the open prison culture that is flourishing in Finland.
Believe or not, this is prison in Finland.
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— Crazy Fcking Videos (@CrazyFnVideos) July 18, 2024Finland’s Open Prison System
Finland abolished the death penalty in 1972. Open prisons originated in Finland in the 1930s. Earlier, they looked similar to labour colonies. With time, they, too evolved. The open prison now is without any walls, gates, fences and barriers. The inmates are not identified by their uniforms as the prison do not prescribe any uniform. They look more like old farm buildings and farmhouses in the countryside where individuals are assigned single rooms with all sorts of basic amenities.
They have recreational spaces like volleyball courts, TVs and even consoles for gaming in some of the rooms. The prisoners are entitled to leave the prison for work or school, and there is no routine roll call as prevalent in traditional prisons. After their work hour, they are free to engage in recreational activities. With a focus on self-discipline and self-control, it is observed that they do not try to flee the prison, although they have sufficient opportunity to do so.
In fact, to some, it feels like a holiday camp as it also teaches them certain important skills. Instead of providing them with readymade cooked meals, they are trained in cooking so that they can cook for themselves. These activities not only provide them with diversion but also keep them engaged in productive pursuits. Open prisons are rehabilitative techniques that ensure that the incarcerated individual feels confident enough to reintegrate back into society. Individuals are transferred to open prisons after serving their term in closed prisons before finally reintegrating into society. This training ensures a lower recidivism rate which refers to the propensity to do crime by the offender for the second time.
As they are treated well, they feel responsible for their actions in the future. Instead of revenge, this rehabilitative approach ingrains introspective behavior in them. Also the training received in the open prison helps them to foster a sense of community and belongingness. Therefore, the success of the rehabilitative over retributive justice system encourages experts and psychologists to recommend the former in the near future.
Other Contributing Factors
A robust social security net that is at work in Finland is a contributing factor in reducing the crime rate in the country. Finland counts as one of the most highly developed economies by the UN definition, with a Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.942. Finland ranks 7th among the 133 economies in the Global Innovation Index 2024. The country, with its quality innovation and technological advancement, therefore has the highest standard of healthcare, which ensures equitable healthcare facilities for all its citizens. Besides, it also ensures quality education for citizens irrespective of social and economic backgrounds. Therefore social security net that covers all alike reduces motivation for crime and rewards society with the prevalence of social harmony.
Additionally, focus on rehabilitation and determination to reform the criminal justice system with the overall well-being of the person committing the crime has been a game changer. Irrespective of the crime, the human is valued and a holistic approach is undertaken to see the root cause of the crime. This enables a culture of empathy and ensures introspection in the convicted, thereby significantly reducing the incarceration rate.
Moreover, the cultural values that have been ingrained in the people of Finland seem deep-rooted. The cultural and moral values that promote social harmony, collaboration, respect, and equality have positively impacted the growth of individuals and shaped their ethics, which prevent criminal activities to some extent.
Evolution of the Open Prison System around the world
Finland is not the first country in this world to have set up an open prison culture. The concept has undergone evolution with time. Earlier in the 19th century, Europe witnessed the emergence of the concept. Switzerland, in 1891, constructed its first semi-open prison called Witzwill. The United States and the United Kingdom soon followed in 1916 and 1930, respectively.
These were very different from what we perceive from the term now and were usually workhouses or, in some cases, agricultural colonies where inmates were required to perform labor. They lived under less restrictive conditions than traditional prisons. The 20th-century focus on rehabilitation and demand for overall reform in the criminal justice system has led to a change in the idea and very conception of the open prison system.
It was revolutionized by the Nordic countries like Norway, Sweden and Finland with their focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. During the post-Second World War scenario, there was a growing demand for prison reforms and in the 1970s and 1980s, Canada and the US responded by significantly improving their open prison system and ushering in changes in their criminal justice system.
FAQ
1. What is the unique feature of Finland’s open prison system?
Finland’s open prison system is characterized by its lack of physical barriers, such as walls or fences. Inmates are not identified by uniforms and are free to move around within designated areas, including leaving the prison for work or school. The focus is on rehabilitation and self-discipline rather than punishment and surveillance.
2. How does the open prison system contribute to Finland’s low crime rate?
The open prison system is believed to contribute to Finland’s low crime rate by promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism. By providing inmates with opportunities for education, work, and social interaction, the system aims to help them reintegrate into society successfully. Additionally, the focus on self-discipline and self-control encourages inmates to take responsibility for their actions and avoid criminal behavior.
3. What are the other factors that contribute to Finland’s low crime rate?
Besides the open prison system, other factors that contribute to Finland’s low crime rate include its robust social security net, strong focus on education and healthcare, and cultural values that promote social harmony and equality. These factors help to create a supportive environment for individuals and reduce the likelihood of criminal activity.
4. How has the open prison system evolved over time?
The concept of open prisons originated in Europe in the 19th century, initially as workhouses or agricultural colonies. Over time, the focus shifted towards rehabilitation and self-discipline, leading to the development of more modern open prison systems. The Nordic countries, including Finland, played a significant role in pioneering this approach.
