Retirement of Head of Criminal Sanctions Agency Finland, Esa Vesterbacka, after 14 years
Director General of the Criminal Sanctions Agency of Finland Esa Vesterbacka retired
Esa Vesterbacka, who was the head of the Criminal Sanctions Agency of Finland for 14 years retired on 1 September 2019. He worked in the prison and probation services in various positions for 32 years and his long and eminent career focused on the development of the Finnish correctional system and criminal policy.
During his leadership, the Finnish prison system underwent several major reforms, including the reform of the Imprisonment Act. The new legislation promoted the prisoners’ fundamental rights and more effective and safe reintegration into society through enhanced programme work and vocational training– all in line with the principles of the European Prison Rules.
Another major achievement was the development and substantial expansion of the open prison regime. His career can also be characterised by the intensive development of the cooperation between the prison and probation services, which were united as an integrated agency in 2010. Under the leadership of Director General Vesterbacka, the development towards a seamless correctional service at all levels of the organisation had a major effect on the prison and probation work in Finland. Today, the Finnish prison and probation system is considered one of the most professional and humane systems in the world.
Director General Vesterbacka was active in international cooperation, such as the European Committee of Crime Problems of the Council of Europe (CDPC) and EuroPris. He also had wide networks with the Nordic countries and other neighbouring countries.
At his retirement, Director General Vesterbacka wishes to thank all the European colleagues for the excellent and fruitful cooperation during his career. He will, however, continue to share his extensive experience as a Board Member of the International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA) and hopes to meet old friends in the ICPA events.