Kriminalvård

Kriminalvård, the Swedish Prison and Probation Service, is a government agency responsible for administering criminal sanctions and promoting rehabilitation in Sweden. Its core tasks include the management of prisons and remand prisons, supervision of offenders on probation or parole, and aftercare for released individuals. The overarching aim is public safety combined with reducing recidivism through reintegration.

The agency operates both closed and open prison facilities and administers community-based sanctions such as probation and community service. In addition to custody and supervision, Kriminalvård coordinates release planning, surveillance, and support services to address criminogenic factors.

Services provided include education and vocational training, work placement, substance abuse treatment, mental health care, and programs focusing on housing, family relationships, and anger management. A central emphasis is to help offenders gain skills and stability that support successful reintegration.

Governance and operation: Kriminalvård is a state agency under the Swedish government, working with courts, prosecutors, police, and municipalities. It collaborates with other public agencies to deliver health, social, and rehabilitation services to offenders, while upholding safety and human rights standards.

The agency also engages in policy development, research, and international cooperation to improve corrections practices and reduce re-offending across the system.