Prisons 2000-2008

Prisons are security system actors for two reasons. First,prisons are charged with the responsibility of resocialising convicts, namely teaching them respect for social norms and preparing them for life in the community after they com-plete their sentence.

Prisons can therefore contribute to security situation if inmates, or at least a large majority of them, are able to successfully integrate into the community and not recommit crime. Considering high recidivism rates (65 per cent), it is debatable to what extent this is achieved in Serbia.Second,all prison inmates must be protected from torture, and they must be treated humanely by prison administration and prison staff. Humane treatment of prisoners anddetainees in prisons means that rules must be strictly respected with regard to the use of instruments of force and disciplinary measures, and external control and oversight andcontrol must be in place. Moreover, prison authorities must ensure personal safety and health of prison inmates and prevent any conflicts and violence among them. They must prevent suicide attempts or selfinjury, use of drugs and other behaviour that compromises per-sonal safety and health.