Tutkintavankila

Tutkintavankila, often translated as "remand prison" or "pre-trial detention facility" in English, is a type of correctional institution in Finland. Its primary purpose is to hold individuals who are suspected of committing a crime and are awaiting trial, sentencing, or other legal proceedings. Unlike regular prisons that house convicted offenders, tutkintavankila serves as a holding facility during the investigation and judicial process.

Detention in a tutkintavankila is typically ordered by a court based on a prosecutor's request. The reasons for pre-trial detention can include the risk of the suspect absconding, tampering with evidence, or continuing to commit crimes. Individuals held in these facilities are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The conditions and daily life in a tutkintavankila differ from those in a penal institution for convicted criminals. While measures are in place to ensure security, the focus is also on facilitating the legal process. Detainees have rights, including the right to legal counsel and the ability to communicate with the outside world under certain conditions. The length of stay in a tutkintavankila can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the case and the speed of the judicial process. After a conviction, individuals are transferred to a penal institution to serve their sentence.