The Dutch government intends to reopen the vacant prison in Almere, marking a significant shift as many prisons had been closed in recent years due to declining crime rates. State Secretary Coenradie, responsible for Justice and Security, aims to make the facility operational soon.
However, a feasibility study will be conducted first. In 2019, the prison was shut down amid projections of excess cell availability.
Now, a shortage of both prison staff and cell capacity has emerged, partly due to the renovation of older facilities and an unexpected increase in serious offenders, according to Coenradie. The shortage has led to measures where convicted individuals are released three days early, and some are granted leave with ankle monitors.
A recent allocation of 20 million euros by the Dutch Parliament, partly advocated by Almere VVD member Ellian, will aid in assessing the reopening. Mayor Hein van der Loo supports the plan, citing job creation and utilization of the facility, which had been occasionally used by special police units for training.
Source: NOS