Bastøy Prison: How "Devil's Island" Became the Most Pleasant Prison in the World

Summary

This video explores Bastøy Island, Norway's largest low-security prison, known for its unconventional approach to rehabilitation. Inmates live in a community-style environment with access to farming, workshops, and education. With a focus on trust, responsibility, and re-entry into society, the prison boasts the lowest reoffending rate in Europe. The video also contrasts Bastøy's progressive system with harsher methods seen in other countries, examining how Norway’s prison model results in lower crime rates, higher employment, and successful reintegration of former inmates.

Takeaways

• 😀 Bastøy Island in Norway is a low-security prison that offers an unexpectedly pleasant and community-focused environment for inmates.
• 😀 Inmates at Bastøy Island are given significant freedom, including roaming the island, working on farms, and enjoying recreational activities.
• 😀 The prison operates with a strong focus on rehabilitation and re-entry into society, offering educational programs, job training, and personal development.
• 😀 Bastøy Island has achieved the lowest reoffending rate in Europe, with just a 16% recidivism rate, making it a model for other prison systems.
• 😀 The Norwegian prison system, including Bastøy, focuses on treating inmates with respect, fostering personal responsibility, and providing support to reintegrate into society.
• 😀 Bastøy Island was historically known as 'Devil's Island' for its harsh conditions, but it was reformed after a major scandal in the early 1900s.
• 😀 The island prison is designed as a small village with cottages, roads, beaches, and communal spaces, providing a more humane environment compared to traditional prisons.
• 😀 Inmates are encouraged to develop skills through work, such as farming, craftsmanship, and even managing the ferry that connects the island to the mainland.
• 😀 The prison also promotes environmental sustainability, with its farm using organic farming methods and a strong emphasis on reducing CO2 emissions.
• 😀 The Norwegian prison system, as exemplified by Bastøy, prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment, which has been shown to result in better long-term outcomes for former prisoners.

Q & A

What makes Bastøy prison different from traditional jails?

Bastøy prison is a low-security facility designed as a small, independent community. Unlike traditional prisons with bars and guards, it offers freedom of movement, communal living, educational opportunities, and sustainable work, aiming for rehabilitation rather than punishment.

How does the prison system at Bastøy contribute to reducing recidivism?

Bastøy focuses on rehabilitation by providing education, work opportunities, and a supportive environment. The system emphasizes personal responsibility, trust, and re-entry into society, leading to the lowest reoffending rate in Europe at just 16%.

What was Bastøy prison's history before it became a progressive facility?

Before becoming a rehabilitation-focused institution, Bastøy was a harsh reformatory known as 'Devil's Island.' It started as a boys' home in 1900, but over time, reports of abuse and mistreatment led to scandal and reforms.

What kind of activities do inmates at Bastøy engage in?

Inmates at Bastøy participate in various activities, including farm work, cooking, gym sessions, indoor climbing, snooker, and even fishing. They also have access to a library, attend lectures, and can work in technical workshops to gain certifications.

How does the layout of Bastøy prison impact inmates' behavior?

The design of Bastøy, with wooden cottages, open spaces, and communal areas, creates a welcoming environment that promotes positive interactions. This helps foster a sense of personal value among inmates, reducing tensions and promoting rehabilitation.

What are the main rules that inmates must follow at Bastøy?

Inmates at Bastøy must adhere to three main rules: no violence, no alcohol, and no drugs. Random urine samples are taken to ensure compliance, and those with addiction issues can receive support through a specialized treatment unit.

How does Bastøy deal with high-risk prisoners or those convicted of serious crimes?

Bastøy accepts prisoners who are nearing the end of their sentence and have shown a clear intention to reintegrate into society. While the prison has high security for some inmates, the focus remains on rehabilitation and reducing recidivism.

Why is Bastøy often criticized, and how does the prison governor respond?

Bastøy is criticized by those who believe that criminals should be punished harshly. The governor, Arne Kavernick Nilsson, defends the system by pointing out that the goal is not to punish but to prevent reoffending, citing the prison's low recidivism rate as evidence of its success.

What makes Bastøy's prison system more cost-effective in the long run despite high upfront costs?

Though Bastøy’s system is more expensive upfront, it leads to lower reoffending rates, which translates into fewer crimes, reduced policing costs, and higher employment rates. This results in lower crime victimization costs and higher tax revenue from employed ex-prisoners.

How does the Norwegian prison system compare internationally in terms of incarceration rates?

Norway has one of the lowest prison population rates in the world, with just 54 inmates per 100,000 citizens. This contrasts sharply with countries like the U.S., where the incarceration rate is much higher, at 693 per 100,000.