kriminalvårdens

Kriminalvården, the Swedish Prison and Probation Service, is a government agency responsible for the administration of criminal sanctions in Sweden. It operates prisons, remand centers, and the probation system, supervising offenders both in custody and in the community. Its stated aim is to ensure public safety and to promote rehabilitation and reduced reoffending.

Management and scope: It is part of the Ministry of Justice and reports to the government. It runs facilities across Sweden, classified by security level into closed and open settings, and administers both pre-trial detention facilities (häkte) and sentenced facilities. In addition to custody, Kriminalvården supervises offenders on probation or under other community sanctions and provides release planning.

Rehabilitation and services: The agency provides education, work opportunities, substance abuse treatment, mental health support, and structured daily activities designed to improve housing, employment prospects, and social integration. It coordinates with courts, police, health care, social services, and non-governmental actors to deliver services and ensure rights and humane treatment for inmates.

Public accountability and international work: Kriminalvården publishes annual reports and statistics. It participates in international cooperation on corrections and human rights standards and exchanges best practices with other countries.