prison need not be that bad

Norway’s Halden Prison: A Humane Approach Works for Rehabilitation

•  decrease in repeat criminal behavior as illustrated in its 20% recidivism rate 2 years after release.

• people are not angry and not hostile
• fewer fights
• positive relationships between the imprisoned people and prison officers
• They each have a small cell that is nicely furnished and includes small refrigerators & a bathroom.
• There is also a special “guest house” at Halden where people with families and younger children can request to spend the night. 
• This “carrot” for good behavior apparently helps