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Digitalization is also finding its way into prisons. The aim is to prepare prisoners for life after prison.
- In Zurich prisons, previously analog processes are to be increasingly digitized.
- The prisoners are provided with laptops, but there is no free access to the Internet.
- Employees should be relieved and prisoners should be able to find their way around everyday life better after their release.
- The project costs almost 15 million francs and is scheduled to be completed in 2033.
Today, everyday life in prison is largely analogous: If you are a prisoner in Zurich prisons and want to buy something from the internal kiosk, for example, you have to fill out a form, tick the desired items and hand in the form. This is costly for prisoners and employees alike and should now change.
Online services are already in use for certain things, but they are outdated, says Nadine Lumme, project manager for correctional and reintegration communications in the Canton of Zurich. Modernization is necessary: “There is a confusion of different offers, the new solution will harmonize this.”
Free surfing in the cell is not provided
The new solution is called “Smart Prisons Zurich.” The government council has given the project the green light. Some prisoners now have access to secured laptops. However, there is no free access to the Internet – including no services such as WhatsApp or social media. “That is not planned, not at this point in time,” explains Lumme. She cannot say today what content the “Smart Prisons” project will allow in ten years.
Safety is a top priority
Couldn’t sophisticated prisoners hack the system? Lumme says no. “I don’t see the danger.” The software platform has been tested and is already being used in other prisons. “Data protection is extremely important to us.” Finland, for example, is a great role model. “Smart Prisons” have already been implemented there. There are similar projects in Bern and Graubünden. Project data was exchanged with them.
Despite digitalization: Not every prisoner in the canton of Zurich now has their own laptop. “It depends on the individual, depending on the prison setting and institution,” explains Lumme. In the Uitikon intervention center, for example, where young adults are cared for, access to a laptop is important. “For them it’s about not losing touch.”
99 percent of those imprisoned are released and become our neighbors.
In general, the Zurich government council says in its statement: “99 percent of those imprisoned are released and become our neighbors.” The better prepared they are for life in freedom, the more likely they are to be reintegrated into society.