Prison intelligence, the evaluation of high-risk correctional operations

Abstract

Due to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Hungary the Hungarian Prison Service had to face a complex array of new challenges which required an immediate and adequate professional response during the national state of emergency. The threat of a serious illness, the forced legal restrictions necessary for the effective defence against the pandemic, the reduction of the detainees’ personal relations and contact with the outside world and with each other, and the key role of the time factor together meant a significant psychological burden and, as a result, a source of tension for both detainees and prison staff. The closed nature of prisons meant a critical point in terms of infection, and ensuring the continuity of the prison service’s performance meant a huge challenge during the three waves of infection. Preventing the spread of the infection, isolating the prisoners or staff members concerned, providing health care and adequate services, reducing rising tensions from multiple sources, preventing exceptional occurrences made it essential to work more closely with prisoners, to monitor and consciously influence their mood and to obtain accurate, timely information, thus supporting decision preparation. This continuous data collection, analysis and evaluation activity was developed, directed by the newly created Intelligence Department of the Hungarian Prison Service Headquarters. The Department prepared evaluation reports on a weekly basis for the Operational Body, giving grounds for the professional decision-making of the Body and the introduction of certain measures, as described in the presentation.