Advancing Corrections Journal - Edition #17 - Designing a Humane Corrections: Possibilities and Challenges (ACJ17-A005)

Article 5: Reflections on Establishing and Maintaining Humanity in Prisons After 40 Years in Norwegian Corrections (ACJ17-A005)

Abstract

For more than two decades, people from around the world have looked to prisons in Norway as examples of how a degree of humanity can be integrated into correctional services. Many of these individuals fail to see the long series of difficult reforms that were necessary to develop the current Norwegian approach to corrections. The design of some of the newer prisons and the roles that Norwegian prison officers play reflect key elements of this current ideal. The Norwegian Correctional Service (Kriminalomsorgen; NCS) has worked to create a culture that uses these elements to encourage change within incarcerated people as they serve their sentences. Although humanity is an important part of helping people “become good neighbors” once they leave prison, there are many other challenges that must be kept in mind when reforming prisons to be as humane as possible. Halden Prison, a unique high-security facility, may best reflect how the prison environment can connect ideology to the daily work of corrections.

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Author

Are Høidal

Senior advisor, Norwegian Correctional Services, Norway

Are Høidal has worked in the Norwegian Correctional Services for 40 years. He has held various senior positions over the years at all levels in the service, including 11 years as governor of Oslo prison and 14 years as governor of Halden prison, from the opening in 2009 until October 2022. He is now senior advisor for the Norwegian Correctional Service, Region East. Are Høidal is a graduate in law from the University of Oslo in 1987. During his years as governor in Oslo prison, Are Høidal and the prison received the national award for “best business initiative” from The Norwegian Government Agency for Financial Management. Are Høidal and Oslo Prison received the award for the “outstanding achievements in solving the prison’s problems with severe financial deficit and lack of ability to reach its objectives, by strong management commitment, clear goal setting, decision making and follow-up activities.” Høidal according to the jury “had a significant impact, and his work had transfer value and helped inspire other businesses both nationally and internationally.” When taking on the challenge of establishing Halden prison in 2009, Mr. Høidal used his competence and values to build a correctional organization where rehabilitation within a safe and secure environment was the main focus. Together with a dedicated staff, Mr. Høidal has established Halden prison as a beacon in the correctional community, achieving substantial and continuous interest and respect from a wide range of stakeholders from governments, public service, academics, media and NGOs from around the world.

Advancing Corrections Journal - Edition #17 - Designing a Humane Corrections: Possibilities and Challenges (ACJ17-A005)

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