Norway’s approach to prisons is quite unique, with a focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. Even their maximum-security facilities reflect this philosophy.
One prime example is Halden Prison, located near the Swedish border. Despite its “maximum-security” status, Halden looks more like a modern college campus than a prison. Cells resemble dorm rooms with private bathrooms, windows with nature views, and even flat-screen TVs. The prison emphasizes education and work programs, with workshops for carpentry and auto repair, and a school offering inmates the chance to further their education.
It’s important to remember that Halden still houses dangerous criminals. However, the focus is on helping them reintegrate into society after serving their sentences. This approach has shown promising results, with lower recidivism rates compared to many other countries. So, while maximum security in Norway might seem different from what you expect, it’s a system built on the belief that even those who have committed serious crimes can be rehabilitated.
