Escapes and unauthorised leaves

The number of escapes or attempted escapes has, in fact, reduced in the past ten years. In 2022, there were 11 escapes from closed prisons.

An unauthorised leave from an open prison is not handled as an escape. If a prisoner has exited an open prison without authorisation, the prisoner can be imposed a solitary confinement for a maximum period of 10 days as a disciplinary punishment. In addition, the prisoner is transferred to a closed prison. In 2022, there were 60 unauthorised leaves from open prisons.

When a prisoner escapes, leaves unauthorised from an open institution, or does not return from a prison leave, the prison issues a warrant of apprehension of the prisoner to the police. The police may also carry out a pre-trial investigation or a police investigation if necessary.

The responsibility of the authorities for the public informing is determined based on the measures taken. When a prison requests a warrant of apprehension from the police, the authority asking for executive assistance, i.e. the prison, is responsible for the public informing. If the situation also includes a pre-trial investigation, a police investigation or telecommunications interception, the police have the responsibility for informing as regards those measures.

The police and the prison agree on the informing of escapes and unauthorised leaves locally.

Statistical information about escapes and unauthorised leaves can be found in the Statistical Yearbook of Criminal Sanctions Agency.