Shocking Audit Reveals Major Security Flaws in Portugal's Prisons

Major Findings from the Audit

The General Inspectorate of Justice Services (IGSJ) conducted an audit of 49 prisons at the request of the Minister of Justice, revealing alarming security deficiencies. The report highlights that many watchtowers are non-functional, there is a lack of standardized camera configurations, and there are insufficient systems to prevent the throwing of objects.

Staffing Challenges

The IGSJ emphasizes the critical issue of prison overcrowding and points out that the conditions for visits are inadequate. It also notes the shortage of prison guards, exacerbated by prolonged absences due to accidents, occupational illnesses, and medical leaves. This shortage extends to the video surveillance personnel as well.

Age and Training Concerns

Additional issues include the aging workforce of prison guards and their lack of specific training in essential areas.

Distribution and Transfer Difficulties

The report indicates significant challenges in distributing inmates across facilities and within wings and cells. Alarmingly, pre-trial detainees are sometimes placed in prisons meant for convicted inmates, and there are barriers to transferring inmates between facilities, with poor communication between the prison services and individual prisons.

Inmate Movements

Concerning inmate movements for consultations or judicial proceedings, the IGSJ warns of a high concentration of exits on the same days.

Minister's Response and Future Actions

The Minister of Justice, Rita Júdice, acknowledged that the audit confirms years of disinvestment in the prison system. She mentioned steps being taken to address these issues, such as purchasing vehicles, electronic surveillance equipment, and hiring 225 new prison guards. The report, submitted on December 27, will remain confidential for security reasons and follows the escape of five inmates from Vale de Judeus prison.

Moving forward, the Ministry of Justice is requesting that the General Directorate of Prison Services prioritize the identified flaws, set a timeline for corrective measures, and submit an execution report by March 2025 and another by June 2025. A new inspection by the IGSJ is planned for the last quarter of 2025, with the report due by December 31.

C/Lusa