Wyzwania dla systemu penitencjarnego w kontekście kształtowania kompetencji funkcjonariuszy Służby Więziennej

Abstract

. The essence of the penitentiary system is the execution of custodial sentences on individuals with final sentences. The implementation of these activities requires specialised professional training of prison officers in order to carry out the process of deprivation of liberty effectively. The effectiveness of the penitentiary system can be defined from the perspective of the smoothness of its implementation (undisturbed course of the process of serving the sentence) – taking into account aspects of the security of wards and staff of the penitentiary service, and also under the criterion of the effectiveness of re-socialisation, calculated by the degree of social inclusion of individuals after serving the sentence, closing the stage of experience with the criminal world. The outlined challenges delineate the level of prison staff competences required for the proper conduct of penitentiary activities, which is the main theme of this article. The aim of the paper is to identify the competences of prison officers – necessary to ensure the effectiveness of penitentiary activities, determined by the specifics of the prison environment. Competences growing out of knowledge, skills and experience in the implementation of processes related to the execution of a prison sentence, as well as the ability to actively apply dynamic protection and management techniques, together with a professional approach to the problem of shaping human behaviour, in connection with the implementation of the educational and upbringing function of the wards. The article is based on a review and critical evaluation of the available literature and studies, together with a conclusion.