From overcrowding to chaos: The escalating crisis in Sweden’s jails

According to Sweden Herald, stricter penalties and overcrowding in Sweden’s prisons and detention centers have led to a surge in violence and threats against staff.

Reports indicate that violence and threats have become a daily reality for many prison workers in Sweden. A survey revealed that nearly two out of every five staff members in high-security prisons reported experiencing violence or threats in the past year. Additionally, one in four stated that violence and threats occur daily in Sweden’s maximum-security facilities.

Over 60% of respondents noted that overcrowding, particularly when inmates are forced to share cells, significantly or moderately increases the risk of violence and threats. Only 4% believed that shared cells have little to no impact on these risks.

Among staff working with inmates affected by overcrowding, more than 8 out of 10 linked overcrowding to heightened risks of violence and threats.

The head of the Swedish Prison Union described the situation as “unreasonably severe,” stating, “Looking back at the history of prisons, I don’t think we’ve ever seen such a transformation in these facilities.” He added, “Today, staff are forced to work with individuals in prisons designed for perhaps 10 people but now house 20.”

The official emphasized, “It’s clear that overcrowding leads to more violence, more threats, and poorer rehabilitative care.”

In addition to reports, statistics and experiences show that the prison environment is negatively impacted by the issue of overcrowding.