Overcrowding, presence of prisoners with dual diagnoses, absence of psychiatrists and psychologists, and a suicide rate higher than that of free people: these are the serious critical issues that emerged from the annual report just drawn up by Samuele Ciambriello, guarantor of people deprived of liberty in Campania. The regional data highlight a series of problems that reflect the difficulties of the entire national penitentiary system.
Campania prisons find themselves in a dramatic situation, characterized by chronic overcrowding and serious structural deficiencies. As of April 23, 2024, there are 7,573 inmates compared to 5,645 regular places, thus placing Campania in second place in Italy for overcrowding index. Pozzuoli is the 24th most overcrowded prison in Italy, with 169 inmates more than the regulatory capacity. The health situation is equally alarming: in Poggioreale, with over 2,000 prisoners, there are only 2 psychiatrists. Furthermore, complete data on the presence of psychiatrists and psychologists in other institutions is lacking. Precarious living conditions and the lack of adequate assistance contribute to the high number of critical events: in 2023 there were 1,299 acts of self-harm, 156 suicide attempts and 5 suicides.
A SYSTEM IN TROUBLE
But the analysis of the data on the sentences inflicted on prisoners in Campania by the Guarantor Ciambriello reveals an equally worrying reality: half of them must serve sentences of less than two years. As of March 24, 2024, there are 44 prisoners with sentences of up to 8 months, 109 prisoners with sentences of up to 1 year, 254 prisoners with sentences of 1 to 2 years, 503 prisoners with remaining sentences of up to 8 months, 840 prisoners with a remaining sentence of up to 1 year, and 956 prisoners with a remaining sentence of 1 to 2 years. The application of the alternative measures provided for by Italian law could contribute to significantly reducing prison overcrowding, especially for prisoners with short sentences. The data underline the urgent need for interventions to lighten the load on Campania prisons and improve the living conditions of prisoners. As highlighted by the Guarantor Ciambriellothe application of alternative measures, increased investments in structures and personnel, and a greater focus on rehabilitation and social reintegration are just some of the steps necessary to address this serious emergency.
Another significant problem is the presence of prisoners with dual diagnoses, i.e. those who suffer from both mental disorders and addictions. As of 31 December 2023, there were 1,024 drug-addicted prisoners in Campania. However, data relating to drug addicts are not complete due to the lack of collaboration of some health departments. The lack of adequate treatments for addictions aggravates the situation of discomfort and frustration within prisons. There is no shortage of the situation of detained minors which is particularly worrying. As of December 31, 2023, 76 minors were detained between Nisida and Airola. The most frequent crimes committed by minors are robberies, drug dealing and weapons crimes. In the juvenile institutions of Airola and Nisida acts of self-harm, suicide attempts, assaults and disciplinary infractions occurred. The Campania guarantor underlines that their fragility and the need for adequate psychological support make an intervention to improve their conditions even more urgent.
THERE IS A SHORTAGE OF WORK
Work represents an important tool for rehabilitation and social reintegration for prisoners, but its potential is not yet fully exploited. In 2023, 2,510 prisoners worked in Campania, of which 2,183 employed by the Penitentiary Administration. The numbers relating to community work are low: only 31 prisoners carry out this type of activity. The Rems (Residences for the execution of security measures) are structures dedicated to psychiatric patients who have committed crimes. However, the number of places available is insufficient and the waiting lists are long. In 2023, 39 patients were hosted in the Rems of Calvi Risorta and San Nicola Baronia. There were 24 people involved in the Therapeutic Rehabilitation Project. The data relating to Tsos (Compulsory Health Treatments) and Spdc (Psychiatric Diagnosis and Treatment Services) are incomplete due to the lack of response from some entities. However, the available data highlights a high number of TSOs and TSVs (Voluntary Health Treatments). The External Penal Area deals with the social reintegration of prisoners after their release. In 2023, 22,392 people were followed by the services of the External Penal Area in Campania. From April 2023 to April 2024, 2,533 people were released from prison in Campania with alternative measures to detention. There is no shortage of data on compensation for unjust detention: the Courts of Appeal of Naples and Salerno issued 43 and 16 payment orders for unjust detention in 2023 respectively, for a total amount of over 1.7 million euros.
