Bahrain's pioneering Open Prisons Programme has received top certification from one of the oldest and largest international correctional associations in the world.
The programme is the first entity outside the US to be certified by the American Correctional Association (ACA).
The Interior Ministry’s Alternative Sentencing Project and the Open Prisons Programme received the International Accreditation Certification of Community Housing for Open Prisons by the ACA.
Verdict Enforcement and Alternative Sentencing director-general Shaikh Khalid bin Rashid Al Khalifa praised the wise leadership as he received the award from ACA president Denise Robinson.
Shaikh Khalid, sixth from left, receives the accreditation from Ms Robinson in the presence of members of the Bahrain delegation
He explained that the directorate obtained the accreditation after passing a set of international standards set by the association – becoming the first body outside the US to receive the honour.
“The Open Prisons Programme has provided opportunities for beneficiaries to reintegrate into society,” said Shaikh Khalid.
He also appreciated Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa’s support to the project which is considered one of the initiatives of the National Plan to Promote the Spirit of Belonging to the Nation and Reinforce the Value of Citizenship (Bahrainouna).
“Being the first entity outside the US to obtain this accreditation, it reflects the quality of work and commitment in the fields of rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
“Staff at the directorate were trained to audit the working mechanisms of the Open Prisons Programme to ensure it is in line with international standards, which included security, health, rehabilitation and administrative standards.”
The ACA is one of the oldest regulatory bodies that supervises inmate detention centres internationally and grants a certificate of accreditation to correctional institutions that pass all 137 international standards related to human rights.
Shaikh Khalid, second from left, led the Bahrain delegation to the US during their meeting with ACA officials
More than 5,000 individuals have benefited since the Alternative Sanctions Law came into effect in 2018.
Under it, eligible medium- to high-risk convicts are moved to the complex in Hamala as part of the Open Prisons Programme.
According to the law, people who have been sentenced for a period not exceeding three months may ask the judge for an alternative sentence.
The complex which opened last year contains several amenities including swimming pools, a library, a theatre room, a game room and workshops.
Occupants live in villas, consisting of three rooms each.
They live under reduced supervision and are even allowed to visit their family members.
Prior to being transferred, authorities analyse the individual’s criminal history, social status, education background and mental and physical health.
Once there, they undergo a three-stage rehabilitation programme that sets them up to return to society.
The first stage is evaluation, where the individuals are given privileges such as flexible phone call timings, and the ability to manage their own schedule.
They take part in several lectures to enhance their skill set and leadership skills.
The GDN reported last year that a beneficiary of the open prisons programme won top places in an international bodybuilding competition held in Oslo, Norway.
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