After Jelgava Prison Closure, 68% of Staff Continue Work in Other Institutions
Following the closure of Jelgava Prison on June 30, 68% (97 out of 142) employees have been transferred or continue working in other units of the Prison Administration, while 242 inmates have been moved to the new Liepāja prison.
Jelgava Prison was closed on June 30 this year, leading to a significant relocation of inmates and staff. According to the Latvian Prison Administration (IeVP), out of 142 employees working at the prison before its closure, 97 (68%) have been transferred or continue their duties in other IeVP units. Among them were five medical professionals. Employment was terminated for 24 officials due to various reasons such as reaching the age limit, expiration of service extensions, or reduction of positions. The cases of the remaining employees are still being handled individually, considering their absence or incapacity for work.
As for the inmates, they were transferred to other detention facilities. A total of 242 inmates were convoyed to the new Liepāja prison, with the last transfer taking place on June 27. The transfer process was organized gradually over several months, in close cooperation with the State Police and in compliance with all security requirements.
The prison closure is part of a reform of the prison system carried out by the Ministry of Justice. The reform aims to transition to a modern, secure, and offender-rehabilitation-focused penal system. It became possible after the new Liepāja prison became operational, allowing the authorities to phase out outdated detention facilities and use state resources more efficiently. The Liepāja prison complex has a capacity for 1,200 inmates, consists of six buildings, covers a total area of 305,116 square meters, with a planned floor area of approximately 37,400 square meters. This year, inmates from Daugavpils are also planned to be moved to Liepāja.
The buildings of Jelgava Prison have been handed over to the Jelgava municipality for its functions.
