Danish prison violence and threats decline after years of increase

Incidents of violence and threats against staff in Danish prisons fell last year, marking a positive shift after a multi-year upward trend. The Justice Ministry reported 361 such cases in 2025, a notable decrease from 452 in 2024. This decline is attributed to sustained efforts by prison authorities over the past decade to improve staff training in de-escalation techniques and conflict resolution.

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Over 350 episodes with violence and threats in a year are still far too many.

Justice Minister Nicolai Wammen described the development as positive, stating that the initiatives are proving effective. However, he stressed that over 350 incidents annually is still unacceptable. "We must do everything we can to ensure our skilled staff in prisons and detention centers are not subjected to assaults – therefore, the work to strengthen security continues," Wammen said.

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We must do everything we can to ensure our skilled staff in prisons and detention centers are not subjected to assaults – therefore, the work to strengthen security continues.

Ina Eliasen, director of Danish Prisons, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that a safe working environment is paramount and that there is zero tolerance for violence and threats. She affirmed the goal of further reducing the number of incidents. The Prison Union also views the development favorably, but its chairman, Bo Yde Sørensen, cautioned that the current staffing crisis necessitates managing prisons with reduced staff-inmate contact. He warned that as staffing normalizes, vigilance is needed to prevent a return to previous statistics.

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It must be safe for employees to go to work, and there is zero tolerance for violence and threats.