From 16–18 June, the European Penitentiary Training Academies (EPTA) network organised the Cross-Border Training on Practical Crisis Management for Prison Managers, hosted by the University of Justice in Kalisz, Poland. The three-day programme brought together prison professionals and representatives from ten countries – the Netherlands, Spain, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Slovakia, Germany, the United Kingdom, Estonia, and others – to strengthen international cooperation and exchange practical approaches to crisis management in prison settings.
The training combined expert-led sessions with practical exercises, providing participants with valuable opportunities to share experiences, develop leadership skills, and enhance preparedness for managing crises in prison environments.
Wednesday, 17 June: Full-day Training
Wednesday, 17 June (Morning)
Theoretical lectures on dealing with crises in the prison environment, including staff management and conflict management, as well as conflict de-escalation.
Wednesday, 17 June (Afternoon)
• Workshops focusing on de-escalation of crisis situations, emotional regulation, group management, responding to crisis situations, and crisis negotiation.
• Transfer to the historic, no longer operational prison in Kalisz, built in 1846. Guided tour of the facility.
• Official group dinner
Thursday, 18 June: Half-day Training & Departure
Practical sessions involving simulations of crisis scenarios and incidents that may occur in a prisonfacility. Exercises conducted from the perspectives of the participant involved in the incident, the responding officer, and the crisis manager.
Additional Information: This year’s training will follow a workshop-based format, focusing on a practical approach to crisis management in prison settings for managerial staff. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing suitable for the hands-on components of the training.
Middle management and senior prison management, as well as trainers responsible for delivering training to prison staff.






