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Description
The Project constributes to the Programme outcome "Improved correctional services".
During the last decade, there have been considerable changes in the Correctional Service system in Latvia (Latvian Prison Administration and State Probation Service).
The pre-defined project will contribute to an improved correctional system in Latvia by establishing a training centre and developing the technical design of a model prison block for training in the Olaine prison area. The Project will be part of a model, which reflects the functioning of the whole justice chain, with a special focus on alternative sanctions. In addition to the investments in the new infrastructure, an effective training system will be developed for the employees of the Latvian Prison Administration and the State Probation Service to ensure modern and effective staff training in line with identified needs. The introduction of advanced working methods in the correctional service will ensure sustainability, which is likely to positively impact recidivism rates and promote re-socialization.
The pre-defined project will include, inter alia, the following activities:
-Construction of the Training Centre and the development of the technical design of model prison block;
- Improvement and development of normative acts;
- Approbation of staff training programmes in the newly constructed infrastructure;
- Project management and publicity.
Summary of project results
One of the biggest challenges in project implementation in Latvia in general is the complex procurement procedures. In the project "Establishment of training centre infrastructure and model prison blocks for training opportunities in the Olaine prison territory”, there were two such procurements: construction procurement and equipment procurement. Since the procurement procedures can also be quite cumbersome, they take a considerable amount of time, which can be a challenge within the framework of a financial instrument with a limited timeframe.
The Latvian Prison Administration as Project Promoter also faced an entirely new challenge arising from Russia invading Ukraine – the budget positions related to construction became more expensive, and the Project Promoter had to ensure that the cost increase was justified. It turned out that the construction company had artificially inflated construction costs, which the Project Promoter could not accept. This unfortunately led to the termination of the contract. A new construction procurement was announced, but valuable time for activity implementation had already been lost, resulting in a tense final stage of the Project, where more had to be accomplished than initially planned.
The whole process was not made any easier by the relatively frequent turnover of procurement specialists within the Project. However, this can be considered a common issue in public institutions. There are few knowledgeable procurement specialists available, and the relatively low salaries do not motivate professionals to choose a career in public administration.
Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, it can be noted that it had a significant impact on the implementation of bilateral cooperation activities. Although all sides adapted to virtual meetings, these restrictions caused delays in implementation of bilateral activities. By the Project’s conclusion, both the donor state and the beneficiary state experienced a noticeable shortage of human resources involved in implementing of Project activities.
Within the Project a ratio between “soft” and “hard” activities was achieved successfully. Their implementation consisted of interrelated and complex measures that complemented each other. As a result, a new Training Centre for the Latvian Prison Administration was built. It will be capable of accommodating up to 150 trainees at a time.
Geographically, the Training Centre is located in the central part of the country, near the outskirts of the capital Riga. This ensures equal accessibility for correctional service staff from all regions of Latvia. The Training Centre provides accommodation for 80 people and features modern training equipment, a shooting range, and training cells.
Alongside the Project activities, significant changes are taking place in Latvia’s penal system. These changes involve transition from a “supervision model” in correctional facilities to a “contact person model.” This shift moves staff away from a purely security-focused role to actively engaging with inmates throughout their sentences. The contact person model has been adopted from Norway, and the Project has initiated its implementation and adaptation to the needs of Latvia’s correctional service system.
Extensive training has been conducted for correctional service staff, including management, as part of the "Training of Trainers" (ToT) programme. These trainings took place between 2022 and 2024 in both Latvia and Norway. Training was led by instructors from the University College of the Norwegian Correctional Service. The "Training of Trainers" programme was a continuous and regular activity within the Project, aiming to train as many instructors as possible across all Latvian prisons. The training covered topics such as:
- "Using Educational Video Programmes in Staff Training and Group Work";
- "What Makes a Good Prison Officer?";
- "What is Dynamic Security?";
- "Facilitating Change," among others.
Additionally, the "Mentoring" programme for practice supervisors was introduced. This programme has already been implemented in the largest Latvian prisons, ensuring that new prison officers receive mentorship from experienced colleagues. These mentors then help newcomers to integrate into daily operations and provide guidance in various work-related situations. Mentor training and coordination, as well as other educational activities related to working in correctional facilities, will continue to take place at the Latvian Prison Administration''s Training Centre.
The primary target group of the Project is Latvia’s correctional service staff. For a long time, the capacity and technical resources of the Latvian Prison Administration Training Centre have been rather limited. Previously, the training centre was located within the Riga Central Prison premises and could accommodate only a small number of trainees. Additionally, accommodating students from distant regions of Latvia posed a challenge. The outdated facilities made it difficult to implement new training programmes, which ultimately affected the quality of knowledge among new prison staff.
The new Training Centre and its updated programmes provide extensive training opportunities, and their significance will soon become evident. The main objectives of the Training centre are:
- To provide trainees with prior education and the opportunity to obtain a specific level of professional qualification;
- To offer organized, non-formal educational activities tailored to interests and demand;
- To facilitate a diverse educational process that ensures personal development and competitiveness in the labour market.
Comprehensive reforms in the correctional service system must start with the foundation - an educational institution that prepares new employees. By the end of 2025, a new prison in Liepāja (designed for 1,200 inmates) is set to open. The new prison will replace several outdated facilities. This prison will need to be staffed with knowledgeable personnel trained under the new programmes at the Training Centre. Therefore, this infrastructure and curriculum will not only improve working conditions for staff but also enhance the effectiveness of rehabilitation efforts, promote inmate resocialization, and ultimately contribute to public safety.
Through the Project’s outcomes, we also aim to elevate the prestige of the correctional service profession and reduce socioeconomic disparities. The achieved results are integral components of Latvia’s correctional service reform and will remain as lasting values that contribute to the country’s development as a lawful and just state.
Summary of bilateral results
Bilateral cooperation within the project can be assessed as strong and of a high standard. The cooperating institutions have remained nearly unchanged for the second funding period, fostering a close and trust-based relationship. The donor states project partners are Directorate of Norwegian Correctional Services, Norwegian Correctional Service Academy (KRUS), Romerike Prison, and, since 2023, the Oslo Red Cross (Network ahter imprisonment).The main outcomes of bilateral cooperation in the project are the training programmes implemented for prison staff, including the establishment of the Contact Person System, Training of Trainers (TOT) sessions, and the development of the Mentoring System. As part of these activities, representatives from KRUS and Romerike Prison frequently visited Latvia to conduct training for correctional staff. These sessions involved a broad range of personnel, including management-level staff, ensuring that the impact of Norwegian grant contributions is recognized across most Latvian prisons.Additionally, the partners developed customized training videos on dynamic security and essential prison skills and knowledge. These videos can be used in training sessions for Latvian prison staff, allowing the content to reach a wide audience. The training programmes have been deemed so valuable that, even after the project''s completion in April 2024, they continue to be funded through the Bilateral Fund till the end of April 2025.Project implementation would not have been possible without bilateral cooperation. However, beyond necessity, this partnership has been a truly rewarding and enriching experience, providing learning opportunities for both the beneficiary and donor states.The Latvian Prison Administration Training Centre plans to invite guest lecturers, including Norwegians, especially given its already established connections with KRUS instructors.In the Financial Mechanism Office''s evaluation of bilateral cooperation, the Correctional Services Programme received the highest rating - 7 points - for cooperation, trust, and partnership satisfaction.