Dynamic security training for managers highlighted the importance of respect and trust
Within the framework of the Project Development of Quality Based Lithuanian Correctional Service System(PDP 3) implemented under the EEA and Norwegian Financial Mechanisms programme Justice and Home Affairs 2014-2021 efforts are taken to improve the quality of services provided in line with the European and international human rights standards and develop the competences of senior staff in the area of dynamic security.
On 11-12 October, 35 senior officials and staff from the Prison Department, Vilnius Correction House and Pravieniškės Correction House-Open Prison Colony participated in the dynamic security training. The trainings were delivered by Norwegian experts and heads of prisons: Torunn Hasler, Ida Lindmo, Kim Wæraas Ole Stageberg, Lars Øster, Ole Arvesen, Siri Broch-Utne.
Torunn Hasler, senior adviser from the Norwegian Directorate of Correctional Service talked about the previous project activities, Lina Ižganaitienė, chief specialist of the Resocialisation Unit of the Prison Department, presented the leadership platform developed during the previous trainings: the values, goals, principles and requirements for the leadership of the Lithuanian penitentiary system. The manager’s role was highlighted as very important to the development of the dynamic security and that the success of the dynamic security approach depends on the behaviour of the manager and the example set.
The Norwegian experts reiterated that respect is the key factor. First of all, managers should respectfully treat and communicate with both the inmates and staff. The manager should be visible in the establishment, visiting and participating in the daily activities of staff. Managers should also support contact officers to spend as much time as possible in contact with inmates.
Representatives from Innlandet Kongsvinger, Bredtveit and Oslo halfway house shared their insights on the dynamic security in different regimes. The closed regime is full of requirements, restrictions and inmates are locked, which makes it difficult to establish a positive relationship between officers and inmates. In this case you should use the opportunities that are positive to socialising - outdoor space, joint sports events or other activities. Is’ easier at women’ Bredtveit prison or a halfway house. Lars Øster, head of the halfway house, emphasised the essence of dynamic security - the relationship with an inmate is security. You can't control the situation from a distance, you need to communicate as much as possible and get to know an inmate.
Human resources are key in dynamic security. A security system consists of static security, organisational security and dynamic security. Dynamic security uses interpersonal communication to ensure safety.
Communication, teamwork and information sharing among staff are also part of dynamic security. Participants agreed that managers need to visit the establishment, encourage staff to interact in a more friendly way and set the example themselves, organise joint meetings and, above all, invite to express, listen to and hear all opinions.
Trust is the core value of both leadership and dynamic security. Participants discussed how much they trust each other, staff and inmates. Trust is often associated with openness and the possibilities to analyse work-related problems without fear of being punished. The role of Criminal Intelligence in dynamic security, the methods they use and the Norwegian partners' suggestion to strengthen intra-agency communication, information sharing and focus more on preventive work were also discussed.
Last updated: 24-04-2024
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