Chapter 1: A Radical Shift in Corrections

The notion of incarceration is being transformed at Halden Prison in Norway, challenging traditional views.

In this facility, inmates live in dorm-like accommodations equipped with flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and private bathrooms. They also have access to fully equipped kitchens for meal preparation and even a recording studio under the label Criminal Records for those interested in music.

Unlike many prisons, guards at Halden do not carry weapons or handcuffs. Instead, they engage with inmates, sharing meals and participating in joint activities, acting more like mentors than enforcers. This approach aims to humanize inmates, reinforcing the belief that treating them with respect encourages better behavior and facilitates rehabilitation rather than punishment.

How can we expect individuals to reintegrate successfully into society after being confined like animals?

Leann Bertsch, director of the North Dakota Department of Corrections, was profoundly moved by the trust and harmony she observed between inmates and guards during a 2015 visit to Norway's prison system. The data she encountered further solidified her perspective:

• "Since the establishment of Halden, only 20% of released prisoners have reoffended over the following decade, a figure four times lower than that of traditional American prisons."
• Employment rates for former inmates surged by 40% after their release.
• Although the cost per conviction is about $60,000, the reduced recidivism saves Norwegian law enforcement around $71,226 per individual, as these former inmates are less likely to re-offend and contribute taxes, saving the system an average of another $67,086.

Upon returning to North Dakota, Bertsch and her colleagues sought to implement humane changes within their own facilities.

They began by streamlining their rulebooks, discarding unnecessary regulations that led to trivial punishments, such as solitary confinement for minor infractions like an untucked shirt.

The focus transitioned from punishment to treatment.

Next, they introduced programs that allowed inmates greater freedom and responsibility, including day passes and the option to wear civilian attire.

By treating individuals like human beings, they fostered a more humane environment.

Guards were also required to engage with inmates regularly, conducting at least two conversations per day. Initially met with resistance, this practice soon became part of the routine.

The results of these changes? A dramatic improvement in the overall atmosphere:

• A significant reduction in violent incidents among inmates and towards staff.
• A decreased reliance on solitary confinement, only utilizing it in extreme cases, and a renewed emphasis on reintegration afterward.
• Improved relationships between staff and inmates, exemplified by activities like basketball games that built camaraderie and enhanced safety.
• Expanded work-release programs that provided practical job experiences for inmates, granting them increased autonomy.

This evidence illustrates that kindness and humanity within correctional systems are not only ethical choices but also yield tangible results.

Chapter 2: Comparing Approaches: Norway vs. the U.S.

In comparing the prison systems of Norway and the United States, the differences are stark.

In Norway, all guards undergo a two-year training program centered on humane treatment, while their U.S. counterparts receive only a few weeks of training.

Norwegian facilities prioritize rehabilitation and preparation for reintegration, whereas U.S. prisons primarily focus on punitive measures.

The reoffending statistics speak volumes: only 25% of Norwegian inmates reoffend within five years, compared to a staggering 76.6% in the U.S. Additionally, the average sentence length in Norway is just eight months, while in the U.S., it extends to 149 months—over 18 times longer.

Unfortunately, the outlook for the U.S. is grim, with a 500% increase in the prison population over the last 40 years, resulting in around two million individuals currently incarcerated.

As Tom Eberhardt, warden of another Norwegian prison, succinctly states: "Treat people like dirt, and they'll be dirt. Treat them like human beings, and they'll act like human beings."

The Power of Kindness

Halden Prison exemplifies this philosophy, achieving remarkable outcomes through unexpected responses to behavior.

For instance, if confronted with aggression, the expectation is often to respond in kind. However, by reacting with calmness and kindness, one disrupts the typical cycle of interaction, paving the way for more positive outcomes.

This strategy has also been effective in Aarhus, Denmark. Instead of taking an aggressive stance towards returning jihadists, the city opted for inclusion and dialogue, fostering positive reintegration.

From late 2012 through the end of the previous year, 31 men left Aarhus for Syria. However, since implementing their new approach, only one individual made the same journey this year.

This strategy involved extensive dialogue between city officials and mosque leaders and collaborative support systems among police, social services, and schools to identify early signs of radicalization and provide mentorship.

The result?

A notable decrease in individuals leaving for Syria and improved reintegration for those returning.

This serves as a testament to how addressing hostility with kindness and support, rather than aggression, can mitigate potential conflicts and yield positive outcomes.

Firm kindness proves to be more effective than violence over the long term.