Danish Prisons Are Overcrowded
A rising number of inmates is placing historic pressure on capacity in Danish prisons, according to the Prison Officers’ Union.
Conditions in Danish prisons have become more cramped, with the number of inmates exceeding available capacity.
There are currently 4,650 inmates in the country’s prisons, but only 4,300 available spaces.
The average occupancy rate in the country’s prisons stands at 105.4 percent—the highest level ever recorded. Last year, the occupancy rate was 102.7 percent.
The high number of inmates is causing overcrowding and straining prison capacity. Overcrowding occurs when the number of inmates exceeds the number of available spaces.
This results in measures such as installing bunk beds in cells to accommodate two people instead of one, or converting hobby rooms, visitation areas, or offices into additional inmate accommodation.
Falling into Disrepair
Space has been tightest at the Vejle Remand Center, which has seen an average occupancy rate of 135 percent this year.
According to Jan Bruun, the union representative at the Vejle Remand Center, this places a strain on the facility, where the cells are increasingly falling into disrepair.
“We spend a lot of time finding space for inmates, swapping arrangements when a shared cell doesn’t work out for the two occupants, and moving people again when restrictions on their mail and visits are lifted,” he stated in the press release.
Hillerød Remand Center has seen an occupancy rate of 140 percent in recent months, which, according to the facility, places heavy demands on the staff.
The high number of inmates is also being felt at Randers Remand Center, where the average occupancy rate has been 115 percent this year.
According to the facility’s union representative, this has led to an increase in conflict among the inmates.
At the same time, indications point to further overcrowding in the country’s prisons.
This is partly due to the toughening of penalties for violence and rape under criminal justice reforms. Half of these stricter measures came into effect in February of this year, while further measures will take effect in January 2027.
Source: KNR (in Danish)