On Monday, the 27th of November, during his inspection of Riga Central Prison and the work done by the Prison Administration in this prison, President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs admitted he has serious concerns about the large number of vacancies in this institution, as confirmed by the president’s advisor Mārtiņš Drēģeris.
During his visit to the prison, the president met with the Chief of the Prison Administration Dmitrijs Kaļins and Chief of Riga Central Prison Raivis Runcis, who reported on the prison’s operations. Officials also discussed topics related to re-socialisation of prison convicts, the need for appropriate pay for Prison Administration workers, as well as the problem of a large number of vacancies.
The president said that after inspecting Riga Central Prison and its specifics, he has justified concerns about the large number of vacancies in the Prison Administration.
At the same time, the president supported the Prison Administration’s vision for development – contemporary prisons for a safer society
The president stressed that the Prison Administration performs two missions important to the safety of society – execution of sentences and preparation of a person for responsible and active participation in society after the end of their his or her sentence. Rinkēvičs stressed that this objective requires educated and motivated workers, appropriate infrastructure, as well as society’s involvement as voluntary support providers or social businessmen.
The president visited the premises of the prison, where he inspected holding cells, the gym, library and other facilities. He also looked at work and education opportunities available to convicts.
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