The Netherlands has a problem with prisons and prisoners, just like any other country.
Prisons are very expensive.
The front facade of Het Arresthuis jail, which now houses a hotel.
So we take a stab at remove whatever it was that caused the crime.
The inmate himself or herself must be willing to change but our method has been very effective.
Over the last 10 years, our work has improved more and more.
Prisoners can raise chicken and grow vegetables.
The ability to exercise in the open and the fresh air reduces stress levels for both inmates and staff.
Learning to cook is another way the prison helps offenders to get back on track after their release.
Because of falling crime rates, prison populationhas halvedduring the past decade, which means plenty of empty cells.
Only those who are considered too dangerous to release, or those vulnerable who need help are incarcerated.
The grounds of Norgerhaven.
Common room where inmates relax at Norgerhaven
A selection of magazines in the reading room at Norgerhaven.
In 2015, the Netherlands leased some of their vacant cells to Norway and to Belgium.
Some250 prisonersfrom Norway were imported into empty cells at the Norgerhaven prison.
Since 2013, the Netherlands have closed 19 prisons and more are slated to close in the coming years.
Its four most expensive suites are named the The Lawyer, The Judge, The Governor and The Jailer.
The Het Arresthuis jail, now a hotel.
The prison, consisting of six tall towers, was closed in 2016.
Our role is not to punish.
The punishment is the prison sentence: they have been deprived of their freedom.
The punishment is that they are with us, the director-general of Swedens prison and probation service toldThe Guardian.
TheBijlmerbajes prison complexin Amsterdam.
Photo credit: Aerovista Luchtfotografie / Shutterstock.com
Artist view of Bijlmerbajes will look like after renovation.
