Estonian Prison Service Delegation Visits Lithuania to Learn about Local Correctional Practices
From 8 to 10 April, a high-level delegation from the Estonian Prison Service visited Lithuania to explore the country’s correctional system, with the goal of strengthening bilateral cooperation and exchanging best practices in the field of corrections.
The delegation, led by the Head of the Estonian Prison Service, Mr. Rait Kuuse, began their visit at Kaunas Prison, where they were introduced to the facility’s comprehensive resocialisation programmes, prisoner employment initiatives, security protocols, and infrastructure. Special attention was paid to staff working conditions and operational practices that contribute to a secure and rehabilitative environment. A key highlight of the visit was the Kaunas Prison Halfway House in Domeikava. The Estonian representatives were introduced to Lithuania’s growing network of halfway houses, which they praised as a particularly effective model for sentence enforcement and reintegration.
The delegation also toured Pravieniškės Prison No. 1, where they had the opportunity to examine several innovative initiatives, including the TOG unit established in 2022. This unit, which works with reoffenders, is based on a Norwegian model that emphasises structured rehabilitation. The Estonians also visited the prison’s Employment Centre, halfway house, and open-type correctional unit. During these visits, discussions were held on potential areas for further cooperation, staff exchange programmes, and the development of joint correctional projects.
In addition, the delegation visited the Public Security Service Kaunas Unit, where they were presented with riot control strategies and had the opportunity to view the unit’s specialised equipment and technologies used in correctional settings. The final stop of the two-day programme was Marijampolė Prison, where further insights were gained into Lithuania’s correctional practices and inmate management strategies.
Both countries expressed their commitment to continuing close collaboration through bilateral exchanges, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and the implementation of future joint projects aimed at improving prison management and rehabilitation outcomes.
This reciprocal visit follows an earlier visit by officers from the Lithuanian Prison Service to Estonia from 24 to 27 February this year.
Last updated: 16-04-2025
Related news:
Curriculum and Further Actions Agreed at International PROMOTE Partner Meeting
Guests from the Czech Republic Visited Marijampolė and Kaunas Prisons
A delegation from the Lithuanian Prison Service visited Liepāja Prison in Latvia
International Dialogue and Opportunities for Cooperation at Vilnius Prison