Vilppula prison, Open prison in Mänttä-Vilppula, Finland
Vilppula is an open prison facility in Mänttä-Vilppula with minimal restrictions on daily movement within the grounds. Residents work in various workshops and programs on site while living in separate accommodations with personal comforts.
The facility began after the Finnish civil war as a work camp on farmland, marking the start of Finland's open prison approach. This development shaped the nation's reform-focused approach to incarceration and reintegration.
The facility reflects Finnish beliefs about rehabilitation, where residents live in apartment-style quarters and can personalize their own spaces. This approach shows a focus on dignity and personal responsibility in daily life.
The grounds are clearly organized with work areas, residential quarters, and common spaces that are straightforward to navigate. Visitors should expect that certain areas are restricted for security reasons.
Residents receive simple mobile phones with GPS tracking but no internet access, which allows monitoring during authorized time away from the grounds. This technology shows a balance between trust and responsibility in the Finnish rehabilitation model.
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