History of the Prison

The prison was established in 1971, when unused dormitories of an arms manufacturing plant were repurposed for correctional use. Through extensions, reconstructions, and new construction projects, conditions were gradually created to support the enforcement of prison sentences for male prisoners assigned to the second correctional group. In 1983, a comprehensive renovation of the accommodation for prisoners was completed. In the following years, the medical facility was refurbished, a multipurpose hall serving as a dining room and cinema for prisoners was built, as well as a new educational centre and other facilities. In 1993, the prison shifted its focus to the enforcement of prison sentences for men assigned to the first correctional group (minimum security level).

The Present

Between 2016 and 2018, the prison underwent extensive reconstruction, which increased its accommodation capacity by 172 places to a total of 704, improved housing conditions for prisoners, and created new areas for prisoners´ rehabilitation and management.

To improve the effectiveness of prisoner treatment and management across various categories, the prison operates not only standard units, but also specialized units – an admission unit, a unit with specialized treatment, a pre-release unit, a high-security unit, and a closed unit that includes a de-escalation room.

Cultural and educational activities in the prison are focused primarily on developing positive interests, supporting both group and individual influence on the prisoners, and guiding them toward meaningful and purposeful use of their free time. Participation in leisure activities is part of the rehabilitation programme and is conducted through institution-wide events, interest groups, or individual involvement. The prison also operates a library, which includes a reading room where prisoners have access to all generally binding legal regulations. The prison publishes a regular in-house magazine titled Fénix, edited primarily by a team of prisoners.

Education of prisoners is provided in cooperation with the Secondary Vocational School in Pruské and the Secondary Technical School in Dubnica nad Váhom, through full-time study in off-site classrooms. Fields of study include: butcher, gardener, mechanical technician, artistic woodcarver, electromechanic, and a post-secondary programme Entrepreneurship in Crafts and Services.

Social work with prisoners is carried out by qualified social workers, who, as part of penitentiary and post-penitentiary care, collaborate with various external organizations to address prisoners' social issues.

Psychological services are provided to both prisoners and staff by professional psychologists. These include individual psychodiagnostic interviews, psychological and crisis interventions, counseling, psychoeducation, and individual therapy. Group-based activities primarily consist of socio-psychological training.

Employment of prisoners is a consistently used and effective means of achieving resocialization objectives. Much of the work is connected to the automotive industry, with prisoners primarily engaged in assembling cable harnesses and plastic parts, trimming seals, and producing various types of garments. Further employment opportunities are available through external partners in fields such as wood processing, furniture and plastic window production, automotive manufacturing, metalworking, and construction.

Regular Catholic spiritual care for prisoners is provided by the prison dean. Catholic chaplaincy is offered voluntarily in the Chapel of Saint Gorazd and is also available to prison officers, employees, and their family members. Spiritual care for non-Catholic prisoners is provided on a voluntary basis in cooperation with the prison pastor from the Ilava Prison, and with individuals authorized by registered churches or religious societies in the Slovak Republic, based on expressed interest.