The Prison and Probation Service Union has voiced strong criticism against the introduction of “security officers” as part of a new criminal reform, citing concerns about the officers’ age and maturity. These concerns have arisen due to the acute shortage of prison officers in the country.

The proposal involves hiring 18-year-olds for these positions, a move that the union believes is unsuitable for the demanding environment of a closed state prison. Union chairman Bo Yde Sørensen argues that individuals of this age lack the necessary life experience and maturity to effectively manage the challenges within a prison setting. He further referenced a similar initiative in the past.

The Ministry of Justice has clarified that these “security officers” will undergo a four-month training program, a significantly shorter duration than the three-year education required for regular prison officers, who must be at least 21 years old. The security officers will assist prison officers with tasks such as distributing food, cell inspections, access control, and registrations, but they will not be assigned to tasks of “greater complexity” or to departments housing gang members or terrorists.

While most political parties support the criminal reform agreement, including the introduction of security officers, some, like SF, have expressed reservations. SF’s legal spokesperson, Karina Lorentzen, hopes to discuss the age limit during the implementation of the scheme, fearing the officers are to young to deal with inmates effectively.

Director Ina Eliasen, however, views the security officer program as a positive recruitment channel, providing relief to overworked prison officers. She emphasizes that security officers are not the same as the security functionaries phased out in 2009, highlighting the current greater need for support.

The introduction of security officers is part of a broader plan to create 2,000 new prison places by 2036, which will require even more prison staff. The Prison and Probation Service currently employs 1,850 prison officers, a decrease of 1,000 from 20 years ago, with numbers declining over the past 13 years.