Charles Dickens once wrote, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” For prisoners, their families, and communities, these words perfectly describe the stark contrast between Georgia’s prisons and those in Norway. While Georgia’s prison system breeds violence, fear, and hopelessness, Norway offers a path filled with dignity, rehabilitation, and genuine second chances. The question isn’t just about morality; it’s about what works to keep communities safe.
Life Behind Bars: Fear vs. Dignity
In Georgia, a recent Department of Justice investigation described prisons as dangerously overcrowded, unsanitary, and violent. Prisoners face daily threats, with many “assaulted, stabbed, raped, and killed.” Overcrowding and understaffing mean survival is often the sole priority. Rehabilitation and personal growth are afterthoughts at best.
Contrast this with Norway, where prisons like Halden offer private rooms without bars, complete with furniture, televisions, and private bathrooms. Inmates cook, socialize, and even participate in recreational activities like skiing and horseback riding at places like Bastøy Prison. Critics call it “luxury,” but Norway calls it effective. The punishment is losing your freedom—not your humanity.
Rehabilitation vs. Warehousing
Georgia’s prisons offer minimal rehabilitation due to chronic staffing shortages. Prisoners spend days idle or locked down, missing crucial opportunities for education and job training. Programs are sparse, and violence is rampant, perpetuating cycles of crime and despair.
Norway’s prisons, on the other hand, are built around rehabilitation. Each prisoner has a tailored plan involving education, vocational training, and therapy. Guards act as mentors, helping inmates develop skills they’ll use after release. Vocational training, education, and therapy aren’t privileges—they’re the cornerstone of incarceration in Norway.
Recidivism: The Proof is in the Results
Norway’s rehabilitation-focused approach isn’t just humane; it’s effective. Only about 20% of Norwegian prisoners reoffend within two years of release, compared to nearly 67% in the U.S. This means fewer crimes, fewer victims, and safer communities in Norway. Georgia’s system, driven by punishment and neglect, sees countless former inmates returning to crime, endangering communities, and perpetuating generational cycles of incarceration.
Policies That Make the Difference
Georgia relies heavily on incarceration, often using harsh, lengthy sentences. This creates overcrowded, chaotic facilities where violence and gangs thrive. Policies focus on punishment rather than reform, leaving ex-prisoners ill-equipped for life outside.
Norway uses prison as a last resort, often assigning alternative penalties like community service or electronic monitoring. They invest heavily in staff, training officers to build relationships with inmates. Norway’s prisons are smaller and community-based, keeping inmates closer to home and family, which helps in their reintegration.
What Georgia Can Do Differently
Georgia can adopt proven elements of Norway’s model:
- Improve Prison Conditions: Reduce overcrowding, increase staffing, and ensure basic human dignity.
- Expand Rehabilitation Programs: Invest in education, vocational training, and therapy for inmates.
- Shift Prison Culture: Retrain staff to focus on mentoring and rehabilitation rather than control through force.
- Promote Community-Based Solutions: Use smaller facilities, electronic monitoring, and community programs instead of mass incarceration.
A Call for Change
Georgia doesn’t have to reinvent the wheel. Norway’s approach has a proven track record of success. Reforming prisons isn’t just morally right—it’s the smart, effective choice for safer communities.
Take action by advocating for change with your legislators and community leaders. Demand policies that treat prisoners as humans capable of redemption and growth.
[Watch More: The Shocking Reality of Georgia’s Prisons (https://youtu.be/0IepJqxRCZY)]
Conclusion
It truly is a tale of two prisons: one built on punishment and despair, the other on rehabilitation and hope. Georgia has an opportunity—and a responsibility—to learn from Norway’s success. Let’s choose humanity, dignity, and safety for everyone involved.
Watch another video about Norway’s prisons.
Praying for Georgia prisons to become like Norway. Georgia prisons are so inhumane and there is so many horrible things going on in Georgia prisons. There are beatings, stabbings, rapes and murders.l pray Georgia will choose rehibilation, promise of a better tomorrow. Get rid of Brian Kemp ( Governor )