Computer use in prison: pilot project in Ulm and Schwäbisch Gmünd

Computer use in prison: pilot project in Ulm and Schwäbisch Gmünd

In Baden-Württemberg there are new plans to modernize everyday prison life. Inmates in the prisons in Ulm and Schwäbisch Gmünd could soon be given the opportunity to access digital services via computers in their cells. This pilot project, which represents a kind of custody system, is currently looking for a specific start date, but is already being prepared by the authorities.

As early as autumn 2022, the concept was presented by the political Union of the CDU and the Greens and the Ministry of Justice to promote digital re -socialization of the captures. A total of 200,000 euros are to be made available for this ambitious project in order to enable the prisoners to return to society after the prison sentence.

planned digital services

The project stipulates that access to the Internet is limited and controlled for the prisoners. These detention media systems are specially designed in such a way that they can be easily monitored, in contrast to ordinary computers. Digitization is intended to offer the prisoners of various digital services. This includes secure access to the Internet, emails, video calls and e-learning modules.

For varied use, offers such as television and radio could also be provided. Before that, music and film offers and pastoral accompaniment were also being planned, with pastoral support will continue to be carried out by local specialists.

The correctional facility in Ulm is designed for 153 prisoners, while the institution in Schwäbisch Gmünd offers several hundred detention places. Factors such as the suitability of the locations from both a technical and an enforcement point of view were crucial for the choice of these facilities. However, the exact number of cells that are equipped with the new systems has not yet been determined.

An exchange with Swiss judicial authorities has already taken place that work on a digital strategy to modernize the prison by 2030. Other federal states have also implemented computers in pilot projects in their prison system. In Berlin, for example, prisoners can access the Internet in several facilities.

Minister of Justice Marion Gentges emphasized the importance of internet access for prisoners, as this is a central prerequisite for looking for accommodation and contact with authorities. However, strict rules and conditions for use are required to avoid abuse. The idea behind this digitization in the detention rooms is not only the fun, but rather the targeted support of the prisoners in reintegration into society.

How the implementation of this pilot project is evolved remains to be seen, and current details about the progress are in the report of bnn.de read.