Since the 1980s, the prison administration has been trained in the concept of dynamic security in which prisoners and correctional officers dialogue towards resolving conflict. The maximum number of prisoners per ward is 25. The maximum number of guards is two.

The principle of dynamic security is extended to special secure detention units (forvaring). The guards in these units engage informally with inmates. The criteria for “acceptable behaviour” is less stringent here than in other units¹.

The modalities and procedures for body searches are established in the Execution of Sentences Act.

Officers conduct cell and strip searches. This may involve the use of electronic devices or dogs (section 28).

The Correctional Service may authorise body cavity searches or other measures (e.g. urinalysis) if toxic substances, hormone preparations or other illegal chemicals are suspected. A health worker is in charge of the process (Penal Enforcement Act, section 29).

Various means of restraint are used. Handcuffs and restraint belts are normally used during transfers. Restraint beds may be used in the case of a suicide attempt or an attempt to inflict self-harm. A corrections officer must always be present, and the inmate must be seen by a doctor every hour. If the use of restraint exceeds 12 hours, it must be reported to the regional authorities.

The facilities’ management is responsible for the initial authorization of the use of restraint. This responsibility may be turned over to other levels of authority (regional, national).

The prison administration has established a mentoring programme to prevent radicalisation. Prisoners at risk of radicalisation are individually assigned a correctional officer.

The applicable disciplinary measures are provided in section 40 of the Execution of Sentences Act :

• written reprimand
• loss of daily wage for a specified period
• loss of privileges
• exclusion from group activities (up to 20 days)
• no temporary leave (up to 4 months)

A prison inmate may be placed in solitary confinement for disciplinary reasons for a maximum period of 24 hours if suspected or guilty of committing an offence meriting the stated sanctions.

The facility’s governor makes the determination.

A disciplinary penalty can affect the length of the sentence.

Solitary confinement takes place, depending on its nature, in an ordinary or special cell.

Solitary confinement by decision of the prison authorities (Enforcement of Sentences Act, sections 37 and 40) or by order of the court is carried out in an ordinary cell. The latter is often equipped with a sanitary block (shower and WC), furnished with a bed, table, chair and wardrobe, and has a usually barred window.

Solitary confinement in a special security cell (Enforcement of Sentences Act, section 38) is carried out in a cell without furniture. Personal clothing is wholly or partly removed. The prisoner is sometimes left naked or fitted in tear-proof safety clothing. The prisoner may be restrained in bed. These cells normally have no windows.

Special high-security isolation is carried out in a specific part of the facility. The living conditions are generally adequate (close to those encountered in ordinary cells). The security arrangements are very strict. Prisoners have no contact with each other and contact with staff is limited. Handcuffs, shackles and restraint belts are sometimes used.

Prisoners in solitary confinement in an ordinary cell or under maximum security are allowed one hour of exercise in the open air or in a gym every day.

Persons placed in solitary confinement may participate in activities or programmes. The number of activities allowed depends on the reason for the confinement, which may be partial or total (i.e. the prisoner may or may not be allowed to communicate with other inmates).
Persons in solitary confinement generally have access to the library and they may have a television in the cell. This is less often the case for remand prisoners placed in court-ordered solitary confinement.

Family ties are partially maintained during solitary confinement. Telephone calls may be restricted. Visits are, in most cases, authorized.
Prisoners who are isolated due to a court order are often denied telephone calls, visits and mail.
Visits to inmates in special high-security units or “security cells” are very limited. Visits take place in a space with a separating glass pane.
A person held in solitary confinement may inform their lawyers or loved ones.

Widespread use of solitary confinement for persons with mental illnesses is a recurring problem in Norwegian prisons. The governor and psychiatrist at Ila prison have spoken out publicly on this matter and have denounced its usage within their own facility.
Many organizations and professionals have also spoken out on this issue, which is the subject of public debate.
The NPM denounces this practice.