Prisons in Portugal

Portuguese prisons have an evolving history. Several existing buildings were adapted and transformed into prisons. With the 1867 penitentiary reform, new facilities were built, as in more recent decades. Today, Portugal has several prison buildings converted into cultural facilities.

The current central Portuguese Prison Directorate (Direcção Geral dos Serviços Prisionais – DGRSP) has divided its 49 facilities (estabelecimentos prisionais, EP) into two groups, 21 establishments presenting a high complexity (with 10040 detention places) and 27 with an average complexity (2560 places), without a distinction between facilities for pre-trial detainees and for sentenced inmates.

Since 1985, the number of prisoners exceeds the available detention places: the occupancy level at the end of 2016 was at, on average, 109%*; in some prisons up to 170%.

By European comparison, Portugal has a high prisoner rate**, which may be explained by the large number of long prison sanctions. However, the penal code is currently under revision: a great emphasis is being put on electronic surveillance measures. The intent is to reduce the number of incarcerations.

Sentenced detainees have no obligation to work, and the work possibilities are limited. Everyday life is quite monotonous. The guards (guarda prisional) are regrouped in unions.

Table: Occupancy level and prisoner rate of some selected states

State	Level*	Rate**
Portugal	110%	138
Spain	81%	136
France	117%	95
Switzerland	94%	83
Germany	85%	78
UK: England & Wales	112%	148
USA	104%	666

* Occupancy level (based on official capacity).
** The prison population rate represents the number of detainees in relation to the population of a country in 100 000.
Source: Prison Population List (11th edition, 2016), Institute for Criminal Policy Research (ICPR). www.prisonstudies.org

A Typical Portuguese Prison

A standard facility of the group classified with a high complexity is composed of several units, each comprising single cells and dormitories, a cafeteria and an office for the guards. Prisoners eat under supervision in a refectory. The daily two hours’ outdoor activities are carried out in the courtyards.

The overall infrastructure contains three to four classrooms, one of them equipped with computers, a library, a small, simply-equipped fitness room, a prison store and a prayer room, also used for other purposes.

The working spaces are accommodated in an annex to the cell buildings or, especially in older prisons, in separate structures.

The medical infrastructure is housed in a unit of its own, with a waiting area, several examination and consultation rooms, and a clinic with beds for in-patient treatment and an isolation room. Disciplinary punishments are also carried out in a separate unit, with special cells and courtyards.

In some of the prisons visited, a distinct unit with a capacity of 5% of the facility offers a lighter regime (regime aberto no interior, RAI), higher autonomy and better comfort. Their task is to prepare for imminent release.

Regular family visits (twice a week, one hour each time) take place under supervision in one or several large rooms. Intimate visits – by international comparison, rather generously granted – take place in rooms equipped with a double bed, a kitchenette, a WC and a shower.

The facilities are secured: some by armed guards in watchtowers that are permanently manned. The guards have 24-hour shifts and two days off. They have their own recreation rooms, cafeterias and sleeping areas.