Could you tell us about your career path? Why have you chosen to work in the prison and correctional field?
Embarking on a journey through the realms of law, I was fortunate to lay my academic foundations in Bremen, Germany, and St. Gallen, Switzerland where I studied Law. My path then took an exhilarating turn as I delved into the intricacies of Human Rights Law and International Criminal Law, working alongside luminary figures such as Dr. Juliane Kokott, Advocate General at the European Court of Justice, and the esteemed Prof. Cherif Bassiouni at the International Human Rights Law Institute, DePaul University, Chicago. These experiences were nothing short of transformative, imbuing me with a profound sense of purpose and a panoramic understanding of the law’s role in safeguarding humanity.
The intellectual odyssey through topics like “Courts as Guardians of the Rule of Law: The Case of the Court of Justice of the European Union” and the immersive exploration of humanitarian law were the catalysts that pushed me toward a pivotal decision: to channel my passion and expertise into the role of a public prosecutor. My doctoral journey, exploring the terrains of international terrorism – from the insidious threats of bioterrorism and cyberterrorism to the looming specter of nuclear terrorism – further fueled my resolve to bring people to justice while probing the possibilities of rehabilitation of people in conflict with the law as well.
After a decade of serving as a public prosecutor, a new chapter unfolded in 2018 when I transitioned to the Bremen Prison as a legal advisor and deputy director. Here, amidst the corridors of rehabilitation and reform, I was profoundly inspired by the dedication and sacrifice of our prison staff, throughout all hierarchical levels. These ‘unsung heroes’, committed to not just safeguarding society but also to support prisoners towards rehabilitation and reintegration back to society, convinced me of my true calling, to work in the field of corrections and probation.
In 2019, I took over the leadership as the Head of the Department of Correctional Services and the Probation Service at the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, in the Federal State of Bremen. This role has been a profound affirmation of my life’s work, intertwining public safety with the promise of a brighter, more redemptive future. Every step of this journey, every challenge faced, has been a testament to the unwavering belief in the power of change and the enduring spirit of humanity. Looking back, I harbor no regrets, only gratitude for the journey that has shaped me and the mission that lies ahead.
What benefits do you see in being linked to an organisation such as EuroPris?
In the core of my beliefs lies a simple, yet profound belief: the importance of venturing beyond our comfort zones, as we have to leave our ‘islands’ to grow. This philosophy isn’t just an abstract ideal; it’s a personal creed that I live by. My curiosity drives me to forge connections with individuals from all walks of life, each with their own unique narratives and, in the context of our profession, their distinct ‘prison realities’. This desire to experience diverse perspectives has been a constant companion throughout my career, enriching my understanding and shaping my worldview.
My career has been blessed with some wonderful international experiences, offering me invaluable opportunities to engage with different cultures and philosophies. EuroPris stands for exchange and joint learning. It’s more than just a forum; it’s a crucible where the shared experiences and wisdom of many are fostering an environment for innovation and progress, in Europe and perhaps even beyond.
This collaborative spirit ensures that we remain at the cutting edge of correctional science, always informed by the latest findings and trends. This alignment with evidence-based practices is crucial, as it underpins our efforts with a foundation of rigor and validity. But perhaps the most significant aspect of my involvement with EuroPris is the sense of ‘we are all in this together’. This network, this community of dedicated individuals, has been a source of inspiration and strength in the past when I was a silent listener, now I am happy that I can proactively support the work of EuroPris.
In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges for the European prison and correctional services now?
The landscape of European correctional services is presently steering through a complex maze of challenges, each requiring nuanced understanding and innovative approaches.
On average, 25% of inmates in European prisons are foreigners, although this percentage varies significantly across Member States. European legislation must be shaped or endorsed, where available, to improve both the management of these inmates and their reintegration prospects.
Between 31 January 2021 and 31 January 2022, across 47 Council of Europe Member States with populations exceeding one million, only three countries (Bulgaria, Estonia, and Germany) reported a noteworthy decrease (greater than -5%) in their prison population rates. Conversely, 24 countries maintained stable prison population rates, while 18 saw substantial increases (exceeding 5%). As a result, overcrowded prisons could again become a concern in some regions*.
We must find intelligent ways to focus our energy and resources; an overcrowded prison constitutes many challenges, while half-empty prison still incurs full costs in terms of staffing and maintenance. We need to discover innovative solutions, starting with architecture to accommodate prisoners, and modern shift planning to provide modern staff management options for our staff. It’s crucial to acknowledge that the new workforce generation has different expectations and needs. Ensuring that we have highly qualified and motivated staff in our prisons is paramount for our joint success. We must rise to the challenge that the nature of work has evolved. While home office options are not feasible for correctional officers, we must formulate compelling reasons for why one should pursue a career as a correctional officer. We have to advocate for our staff, making all understand the prison and probation is an important integral part of our European security architecture.
Moreover, the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders is a multifaceted goal that encompasses more than just physical confinement; it involves addressing the deep-seated issues that may have led to their incarceration in the first place. This includes a concerted effort to meet the mental health needs of inmates, an area often overshadowed yet crucial for true rehabilitation. Mental health support within the correctional system is not merely a matter of treatment but a foundational aspect of ensuring that once released, individuals can lead productive, fulfilling lives, reducing the likelihood of recidivism. The evolving landscape of corrections is also witnessing, still the issue, of radicalization within prison walls, a phenomenon that poses a significant threat to both internal security and the broader societal fabric. This challenge necessitates a delicate balance between stringent security measures and the preservation of human rights, all while fostering an environment conducive to rehabilitation. In parallel, the integration of technology in correctional services offers a double-edged sword. On one hand, technological advancements promise enhanced security, better monitoring, and innovative rehabilitation tools, such as virtual reality-based therapy and online education programs. On the other, they introduce concerns regarding privacy, ethical implications, and the digital divide between different segments of the inmate population.
Addressing these multifarious challenges requires a holistic approach that balances security concerns with the imperative of rehabilitation. It demands an adaptive framework that caters to the diverse needs and backgrounds of the prisoner population, recognizing that a one-size-fits-all model is inadequate in the face of such complexity. Resource constraints further exacerbate these challenges, underscoring the need for efficient management, cross-sector collaboration, and the leveraging of public-private partnerships whenever appropriate. The path forward must be paved with innovative solutions that are not only effective but also sustainable and respectful of human dignity.
As we navigate this intricate landscape, it becomes increasingly clear that collaborative efforts are essential. Sharing knowledge, best practices, and lessons learned across borders can illuminate the path to more effective, humane correctional services. By joining forces, we can surmount these challenges, transforming our correctional systems into engines of positive change that contribute to safer, more just societies.
I am also comforted by the belief that we have strong women and men on board, ready to embrace these challenges. Let’s be realistic: stress is a constant state, challenges are ever-present, and we have always found ways to overcome them. It’s even more effective when we tackle these challenges together, as EuroPris.
Could you elaborate on the progressive approach and how you tackled individual limits, from your own experience?
In our daily roles, it’s crucial to recognize that every individual has shortcomings and that anyone could falter under certain conditions. Our firm belief in the concepts of rehabilitation and reintegration stems from the conviction that every person holds the potential for change. Truly embracing this idea means acknowledging that transformative growth is possible for everyone.
Addressing individual limitations requires a comprehensive understanding of each person’s background, challenges, and strengths. This understanding is the foundation of our progressive strategies, which emphasize tailored rehabilitation plans, education, vocational training, and psychological support for those in conflict with the law. By nurturing an environment that promotes personal growth and accountability, our goal is to furnish individuals with the necessary tools to lead productive lives once they rejoin society.
However, when it comes to self-assessment, we are often too harsh on ourselves. I believe it’s important to recognize and forgive our own imperfections. After all, what does perfection truly mean? At times, I question whether I even aspire to be ‘perfect’. What I do know is that I have a strong desire to improve, to grow, to better understand both others and myself, to learn, and also to recognize and accept my personal limitations, not just as an individual but also in my capacity as Director General.
If you could be remembered for one thing whilst being in charge, what would it be?
If there’s one legacy I aspire to leave behind, it’s the right balance of fairness and humanity into every facet of the correctional system—this pertains to both the treatment of prisoners and the welfare of our staff. My goal has always been to lead a service where safety, respect, and rehabilitation are interwoven into every aspect of our work. I envision a future where the prison and probation service not only protect society but also continues to play a pivotal role in supporting individuals in their journey towards rehabilitation and reintegration.
I hold a humble view of my role, recognizing that I am but one person. While I do not diminish the impact I can have as Director General, I firmly believe the true essence of our efforts lies in the hands of those who engage daily with prisoners and probationers. These dedicated professionals are the bedrock of our system, and I deeply wish for them to perceive that our strategic decisions at the Ministry level are driven by a commitment to support their invaluable work.
Addressing the matter of my anticipated legacy feels premature, yet I harbor the hope that each day I can make a tangible contribution toward fostering a people-centered criminal justice system. This entails striking a careful balance between security and rehabilitation, and enhancing the working conditions for our staff who confront the myriad challenges our services entail on a daily basis.
* CoE, Aebi, Cocco, Molnar, Prisons and Prisoners in Europe 2022: Key Findings of the SPACE I survey: https://wp.unil.ch/space/files/2023/06/230626_Key-Findings-SPACE-I_Prisons-and-Prisoners-in-Europe-2022.pdf