The purpose of this and other proposals presented by the inquiry is to reduce recidivism.
My impression is that these are powerful proposals that would have a significant effect and noticeably reduce the number of recidivists, says Chairman Henrik Vinge (SD).
According to him, around 70 percent of all prisoners reoffend.
The so-called security inquiry, in which all parties participated, proposes to increase the possibility of serving prison sentences at home with electronic tagging. Today, this is possible for sentences up to six months. The unanimous inquiry now proposes to extend this possibility to sentences up to 18 months.
500 more
However, this possibility should not exist for sexual offenses or serious violent crimes. If there is a physical victim, this should also reduce the possibility of avoiding prison. Vinge mentions economic crime as an example when electronic tagging can be relevant. The convicted person must also have an organized life with a home and a job.
According to Vinge, around 500 more prisoners than today could serve their sentences with electronic tagging if the proposal becomes a reality.
The security inquiry also emphasizes the importance of providing care to criminals to help them overcome drug addiction and psychological problems. Between 1,000 and 1,500 inmates would need medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction, according to the inquiry, which is twice as many as receive it today.
The Prison and Probation Service is therefore proposed to be given an explicit task to provide care to inmates if it can have an effect on the recidivism rate.
"Great need for reform"
However, there are no concrete proposals for helping convicted individuals to find work and housing.
We have not been able to find any clear measures that would have a proven effect within the framework of our work. That is actually the reason why we are not proposing it, says Henrik Vinge.
Further proposals include that more people should be able to be sentenced to probation with a special treatment plan, so-called contract care.
The government will now send out the proposals for review. Therefore, Minister of Justice Gunnar Strömmer (M) cannot say today whether the proposals will be implemented, but he says:
There is a great need for reform when it comes to how time is used in prison. Therefore, these proposals are very welcome.
