– In previous years, we had more inmates. But the ones we get in now are sicker than before. Espen Vinje has worked for 15 years as a prison guard. He is also the leader of the Norwegian Civil Service Association in the South-Eastern Police District. His job down in the detention center is to make sure that those who end up behind bars here are okay. This could be to check that they are breathing, prevent self-harm or calm seizures. Concerned about safety news recently told how more dangerous situations are constantly being reported in detention, despite the fact that fewer and fewer are being arrested: Vinje is one of those who notices that those who end up in detention have completely different challenges than before. Despite the long commute, he no longer feels that the workplace is always a safe place to be. Neither for their own part, nor for the inmates. – There are many situations that arise. But I would say that the most unpleasant thing is the self-harm. Locked up in these cells may be people with serious mental disorders or heavily intoxicated. Photo: Theodor Aasland Valen / news Alone in life and death decisions Vinje is often alone in detention. It is far from unique to his profession. Earlier this year, Politiforum wrote that prison guards in most police districts in the country have to work many shifts alone. Then the cell door should not really be opened until the inmate is unlocked, until a colleague is in place. But what if something urgent happens? – Seeing someone, for example, strangle themselves in one of the cells, and then waiting for someone to come, is difficult, says Vinje. In those cases, the custodian says that he would rather open the door and start doing what he can. If Vinje sees someone trying to harm themselves inside the cell, he must act quickly. The picture is from the detention center in Bergen. Photo: Nyhetsspiller / news Such incidents eat away at the psyche of the employees in the long run. – We in Telemark have experienced a large absence in recent months. It hurts to hear that your colleague is at home because not everything has been as smooth at work. Vague rules Section chief in the Norwegian Police Directorate Torgeir Haugen says that they are aware that incidents occur in the detention center that are difficult to handle. – The changes that are now being made to the arrest warrant will hopefully improve the situation. From 1 September, there is a requirement for two people at work, if physical contact with the inmate is possible. But how this is to be interpreted and resolved will largely be up to each individual police district. Vinje is concerned that the instructions can be interpreted so that the requirement to have two people at work only applies when the arrested person is taken in and out of the cell. It is not sufficient, he believes: – There must be two of us all the time. For a physical contact like that, we never know when it will happen. It’s an event driven thing. No funds No money has been set aside to achieve the requirement for more people at work, the Norwegian Police Directorate informs. The section chief says he is nevertheless confident that the police districts will solve the instructions in time. – Many districts have already adjusted, Haugen points out. The custodian hopes that everyday life will soon become safer, both for the inmates and the employees. Photo: Theodor Aasland Valen / news But in Grenland, Vinje is not so optimistic that changes will be in place over the next few weeks. – That there will be a big change before 1 September, I can never imagine. But we are excited, and we hope so. Published 21.08.2024, at 17.30 Updated 21.08.2024, at 18.25
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– They are sicker than before – news Norway – Overview of news from different parts of the country
