Skill sharing in the field of corrections
About this initiative
The initiative aims to strengthen bilateral relations between Polish and Norwegian Prison Services. By focusing on conflict management training, communication skills for prison officers, job shadowing, and international study visits, the initiative seeks to promote best practices, foster professional development by facilitating professional exchange, and enhance mutual understanding.The initiative represents a strategic effort to strengthen bilateral relations between Polish and Norwegian correctional services as well as to expand the international perspective by organisation of study visits to Norway, Romania, Czech Republic, Ireland, the Council of Europe, and the ICPA 2024 conference in Singapore to expose officers to diverse prison management practices and global trends. During study visits to Norway and other countries, the participants can observe daily operations, engage with staff, and participate in debriefing sessions to discuss observations and lessons learned. The exchange visits to Norway and to Poland are to enable the officers to focus on implementing the principles of dynamic security in the pilot units in Poland and to conduct trainings in the pilots for the staff using interactive methods, such as role-playing and simulation exercises, to reinforce learning outcomes. The activity also aims at joint participation in foreign events and the promotion of PSORR-PL Recidivism Risk Assessment Tool.
Results achieved
The "Skills of Sharing in the Field of Correction" project supported the modernization of the Polish penitentiary system through the transfer of Norwegian expertise. It focused on dynamic security and normalization. Key activities included five study visits to Norway, one to Poland, and a training on risk assessment tools. 100 Polish prison officers and 7 experts participated in international exchanges. In total, 120 participants from Poland and 44 from Norway joined project activities, including two international networking conferences. Reforms were implemented in four units: Jastrzębie-Zdrój, Chmielów, Kamińsk, and Koziegłowy. Officers introduced structured briefings, open communication, and management involvement. Inspired by Norwegian halfway houses, Polish prisons piloted team briefings, DEC training tools, and new reintegration models. These efforts improved inmate relations, staff morale, and reduced burnout. Project outcomes informed the Strategic Development Plan 2025–2027 and led to tailored interventions for women, youth, and radicalized inmates. The project laid a strong foundation for long-term, humane correctional reform.