ORGANISATION OF OCCUPATIONAL ACTIVATION OF CONVICTS IN POLAND -LEGAL REGULATIONS AND PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS

Daria Becker-Pestka
Ph.D., WSB University in Gdansk, Poland, dabepe@op.pl

Abstract

The article refers to the organisation of occupational activation of convicts in Poland. It presents legal regulations and applied practical solutions. The presented material has been collected on the basis of empirical research carried out at some penitentiary units in Poland. The research method which has been applied is a diagnostic survey; the research techniques have involved a questionnaire form, a query of documents and an interview with members of prison staff. The aim of the research has been to establish the way in which occupational activation of convicts is organised at prisons in Poland. At the end of 2017 there were as many as 73 822 convicts at Polish prisons. Activities in the field of occupational activation of convicts are implemented by prison officers of the Prison Guard. The Polish law obliges prison staff to implement activities in the field of social rehabilitation of convicts, including occupational activation. Occupational activation is financed mainly with the EU funds. At present, the POWER programme is being implemented in Poland. Another programme currently operated in Poland is Work for Prisoners and the Crime Victims and Post-Penitentiary Aid Fund. Members of prison staff develop and implement their own original solutions which are aimed at the preparation of convicts to the functioning in the labour market after they leave prison. It is also important to develop self-discipline and a need of systematic work in convicts, to implement the sense of responsibility and to encourage them to improve their education. Convicts can acquire new qualifications, they can enhance or acquire knowledge referring to the functioning of the labour market; they can learn a number of useful skills which are indispensable for searching or retaining employment. The organisation of occupational activation of convicts provides them with a chance to find work after they leave prison, and in this way, to enable them to pay their financial liabilities and to perform their social roles. Professional work comes as a significant factor which prevents convicts from recidivism.

Keywords: occupational activation, prison, convicts, legal regulations, labour, job