The Danish government plans to create separate prison units for vulnerable inmates to protect them from exploitation and prevent them from becoming entrenched in criminal activity. This initiative is part of a broader penal reform aimed at both strengthening punishment for violent crimes and improving inmate resocialization.

According to Nanna Gotfredsen, spokesperson for the Moderates party, vulnerable individuals often face brutal conditions in ordinary prison wards, making them susceptible to exploitation and debt. She highlights the power hierarchies within prisons where weaker inmates can quickly accumulate illegal debts and become trapped in a cycle of crime.

The penal reform includes the creation of 350 new full-time positions and an allocation of DKK 1.5 billion by 2030 to focus on preventing recidivism. This funding will support increased social pedagogical and therapeutic treatment offerings in these specialized units, shielding vulnerable inmates from the harsh prison environment and associated risks. The goal is to provide a supportive environment where inmates can receive the necessary resources to avoid re-offending upon release.