The facility includes residential units, a production hall, and a transitional home to prepare inmates for reintegration into society. It is one of four such complexes under the "Pilot Penitentiary Complexes" project, alongside locations in Jastrzębie-Zdrój, Koziegłowy, and Olsztyn.
According to Major Maciej Słysz, spokesperson for the Regional Director of the Prison Service in Rzeszów, Chmielów’s complex is distinctive as it will exclusively house female inmates. The first group is expected to arrive in early November.
Focus on rehabilitation and dynamic security
The complex is designed with a focus on rehabilitation, inspired by Scandinavian prison models. "Women in this new facility will undergo specialized rehabilitation and therapeutic programs," Słysz explained. The prison staff has been trained by Norwegian experts in implementing "dynamic security" measures, which prioritize building positive relationships between staff and inmates to maintain order and safety.
Photo: PAP/Darek Delmanowicz
These training initiatives began in 2023 and included workshops in Poland, Lillestrom (Norway), Antwerp (Belgium), and internships in Bergen, Norway. The dynamic security approach aligns with Norway’s successful shift in the 1990s towards smaller, community-based prisons that prioritize rehabilitation over punishment, which has significantly reduced recidivism rates.
Features of the Chmielów complex
Located on a 4-hectare plot, the Chmielów complex is a branch of the Dębica Correctional Facility. It features a residential pavilion for about 200 women, along with a therapeutic unit specifically for those struggling with alcohol addiction. The complex also includes a 1,000-square-meter production hall where inmates can gain vocational skills and work experience.
Photo: PAP/Darek Delmanowicz
Transitional home for reintegration
One of the key elements of the facility is a transitional home designed for 38 inmates, providing conditions that closely resemble life outside of prison. Located adjacent to the main complex but under minimal supervision, this facility aims to ease the transition back into society. Inmates can stay there for up to six months before their release, focusing on employment, education, and rehabilitation.
The transitional home. Photo: PAP/Darek Delmanowicz
"The transitional home does not have bars on the windows, and the core of the program is centered around work, learning, and specialized rehabilitation," said Słysz.
Sustainability and self-sufficiency
The Chmielów complex is also notable for its sustainability. It is equipped with a photovoltaic installation, making it fully energy self-sufficient. Additionally, it has a system for using "gray water" from sinks, showers, and laundry, contributing to water conservation efforts.
The facility was built under the "Pilot Penitentiary Complexes" project, co-financed by the Norwegian Financial Mechanism 2014-2021 through the "Justice" Operational Program.
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Source: PAP