Professional training of prison service workers in the Czech Republic: historical development, aspects of importance and current challenges
Authors: Stárek Lukáš , Vlach František 
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the historical development and current challenges of professional training for prison service staff in the Czech Republic. This study focuses on the transition from a repressive system under communism to a democratic approach emphasising human rights, ethics and professionalisation. It aims to assess the effectiveness of the current training programmes and their alignment with international standards, highlighting their impact on safety, recidivism reduction and prisoner re-socialisation. The findings aim to inform policymakers and practitioners about the importance of continuous investment in education and professional development for sustainable improvements in the prison system.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors focused on the basic professional training of prison service workers. Specifically, 247 people. Through the questionnaire, the authors investigated the reflection of the education itself and its benefit for the participants.

Findings

This research reveals that the professional training of prison service staff significantly enhances their preparedness, ethical standards and ability to manage crisis situations. Participants acknowledged the high quality of teaching materials and the dedication of instructors. Humanities subjects, such as law and ethics, were found challenging but essential. Well-trained staff contribute to improved prison safety and reduced recidivism. This study emphasises the necessity of ongoing education, collaboration with academic experts and modern training tools. Moreover, the findings highlight the importance of tailoring training programmes to meet the evolving needs of diverse prisoner groups and the societal demand for rehabilitation.

Research limitations/implications

This study primarily relied on questionnaire-based data from participants in basic professional training courses, which may introduce subjective bias and limited scope. This research focused on the Czech Republic’s prison system, and findings may not be directly generalisable to other contexts. Further studies could benefit from longitudinal data collection, in-depth qualitative interviews and comparative analyses across different countries. The implications emphasise the need for more comprehensive evaluation frameworks to ensure that training programmes are continuously updated in line with emerging challenges, such as increasing prisoner diversity and evolving security risks, thereby enhancing the global relevance of these findings.

Practical implications

Implementing this study’s recommendations can improve the overall quality and effectiveness of prison service training. Regular updates to curricula, inclusion of modern technologies and collaboration with external experts can address the evolving needs of the prison environment. Enhanced training in crisis management, ethics and human rights will better equip staff for real-life challenges. In addition, targeted specialisation programmes can help address the specific needs of prisoner subgroups, including those with mental disorders or cultural differences. These practical changes will contribute to safer prisons, better re-socialisation outcomes and increased public trust in the prison system.

Social implications

By improving the quality of prison staff training, this study supports broader societal goals of reducing recidivism and promoting the successful reintegration of former prisoners. Enhanced training fosters a more humane and ethical approach to incarceration, reducing stigma and fostering public understanding of rehabilitation’s value. Addressing social exclusion through effective prisoner re-socialisation directly benefits communities by reducing crime rates and improving social cohesion. The findings also underline the importance of public–private partnerships and community involvement in supporting re-entry programmes, thus contributing to a more inclusive and equitable society.

Originality/value

This paper offers a comprehensive analysis of the transformation of prison service training in the Czech Republic, highlighting the shift from a repressive to a rehabilitative approach. Its originality lies in combining historical, sociological and practical perspectives to assess training effectiveness. By focusing on ethical education, modern pedagogical methods and international standards, this study provides valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners aiming to enhance prison systems. The findings contribute to the global discourse on prison reform by showcasing how investment in education and professional development can lead to safer prisons and more effective reintegration of prisoners into society.