The Norwegian Prison System: Halden Prison and Beyond - Paperback

by Are Høidal (Author), Nina Hanssen (Author)

This book presents a comprehensive overview of the Norwegian Correctional Service and the values and principles underlying its operations, using the renowned Halden Prison as a case study. Since its opening in 2010, Halden has been recognized for its uniquely humane treatment of inmates and emphasis on rehabilitation. This book chronicles the lessons learned from the operation of Halden Prison and scrutinizes the effectiveness of its policies.

Staff at Halden operate under a notion of "dynamic security," in which guards circulate around the prison interacting and developing relationships with inmates rather than surveying from a fixed location. Recounted from the perspectives of various actors in the system, and incorporating commentary from international correctional experts, this book sheds light on the effects of the approaches and paradigm shifts that have made Halden different from other prisons. The book presents a balanced picture of how such an approach works, with practical examples of successes and failures.

This book contextualizes how and why this example of reform achieved successful outcomes when others failed, and how it can be improved upon in the future. Illuminating new directions for prison reform, it is essential reading for academics and students engaged in the study of criminology, corrections, and penology, as well as practitioners, administrators, judges, policymakers, and advocates.

Author Biography

Are Høidal has worked in the Norwegian Correctional Services for 37 years. He has held various senior positions over the years at all levels in the service, including 11 years as governor of Oslo prison and now governor of Halden prison since 2009. Are Høidal is a graduate in law from the University of Oslo in 1987.

When taking on the challenge of establishing Halden prison, Mr Høidal used his competence and values to build a correctional organization where rehabilitation within a safe and secure environment was the main focus. Together with a dedicated staff, Mr Høidal has established Halden prison as a beacon in the correctional community, achieving a substantial and continuous interest and respect from a wide range of stakeholders from governments, public service, academics, media and NGOs from around the world.

Mr Høidal is widely used as a speaker and lecturer in the global community of correctional service. He has held presentations at numerous seminars, forums, expert meetings, and universities around the world and is deeply motivated to share his vision and goal of a humane and effective treatment of inmates. With his 37 years from the practitioner field, he speaks with great credibility about how to combine safety and rehabilitation in the best possible way.

Nina Hanssen has 37 years of experience of media and communication in Norway and Kenya. She is a motivational speaker, author, journalist and a marathon runner.

Ms Hanssen has published seven books and is a member of International Positive Psychology Association (IPPA). Her interest is positive psychology and flow. She is a motivational speaker in Talerlisten.no and, since 2015, the national leader of APF - the oldest trade union for journalists and editors in Norway. She currently works as a reporter in LO Media.