Union warns of low ratio of prison guards per inmate

The prison guards' union, ASP/CGP, has issued a warning about the decreasing ratio of guards per inmate in Portugal. According to the union, this ratio has reached historically low levels this century, which raises concerns among professionals in the field.

According to the data presented, over the last 23 years, the workforce of prison guards has decreased by 844 members, while the prison population has remained stable. This decline underscores the need for reflection on the number of guards and the impact on security and prison management.

The union is therefore asking the authorities to implement 'structural measures and not just ad-hoc responses' to address this issue. ASP/CGP emphasizes that the current situation could compromise the safety of both inmates and the professionals working in the institutions.

In addition, the union stresses the importance of active parliamentary oversight on this matter, suggesting that a deeper debate on working conditions and the responsiveness of prisons is essential.

ASP/CGP has highlighted that this issue requires urgent attention, as security in prisons cannot be compromised due to a lack of guards. The current situation demands clear strategies to ensure that the prison system functions effectively.

The union's call comes at a time when the working conditions of prison guards and security within the institutions are being increasingly debated, revealing widespread concern about the lack of human resources. The impact of this historical ratio on operational and security issues remains a central topic.