Rising violence and overcrowding drive Dutch prison staff to consider quitting

A recent investigation among 350 employees working directly with inmates in the Dutch prison system reveals widespread violence and high work pressure, prompting concerns about staff retention. The Custodial Institutions Agency (DJI) staff face spitting, attacks with makeshift weapons, threats, and exposure to urine and feces, according to the report by EenVandaag.

Nearly all respondents said they had experienced violence at work, often multiple times. They reported assaults including spitting, being doused with urine or feces, and attacks with improvised weapons. Incidents of arson and suicide or suicide attempts within prisons were also common. Threats and intimidation extended beyond the workplace, with some staff members receiving threats to their homes. One employee described having “money put on your head, 500 euros to harm you,” while another said he was forced to go into hiding after threats to his home damaged his sense of security.

Marcelle Buitendam, board member of the labor union FNV, confirmed the rising aggression against prison workers. “It is unimaginable for everyone in the Netherlands that people have to face aggression at work,” she told EenVandaag. “We cannot wait a day longer to address this together.”

Despite these dangers, eight out of ten respondents still said they go to work with pleasure. However, many expressed frustration over what they see as political neglect of their worsening working conditions. Staff reported increasing workloads and a rise in inmates with psychological problems, while staffing levels remain insufficient.

Two-thirds of those surveyed said the work pressure is too high. As a result, 40 percent are considering quitting within a few years.

The study also covered a recent policy allowing some inmates to be released two weeks early to ease overcrowding and staffing shortages. This measure, introduced by former State Secretary Ingrid Coenradie, divided opinions among prison workers. Some described it as “a sad but necessary emergency measure,” while others opposed it, saying, “Punishment is punishment.” Critics warned the early release policy is a short-term fix lacking a long-term vision. “It doesn’t solve anything, it’s just a momentary solution,” one worker said.

Survey participants called for different measures, emphasizing the need for targeted investments. They highlighted the importance of hiring more staff and building more prisons but said these steps alone are insufficient.

Many also advocated for increased training and education, citing the growing complexity of their work. “More and more disturbed inmates are entering the general population,” one participant said. “The normal criminals and the staff suffer from this, leading to excesses. The regular criminals aren’t the worst problem. But due to staff shortages and lack of well-trained personnel, they run the ward.” They also argued for smaller, safer prison facilities. “Some institutions are far too large. They are confusing and very unsafe,” a worker said.

The survey data, weighted by age, gender, and job function, was collected through FNV among employees of the Custodial Institutions Agency.

State Secretary for Justice and Security Teun Struyken acknowledged the challenges prison staff face and the urgent need to improve their working conditions. “It is truly a difficult place to work,” Struyken told EenVandaag. “Prison guards have a tough job, especially working with inmates who have violent histories and often suffer from psychological problems. It’s clear that working conditions must improve so these people can continue their important work.”

Struyken expressed concern about the large number of staff considering leaving. “We have real capacity problems and staff shortages. We are working hard to recruit new people, and lately, more are joining than leaving. But we must do everything we can to retain as many people as possible.”

Buitendam also voiced worries about potential staff losses but said the numbers did not surprise her. “I can fully understand why four out of ten would consider leaving DJI. That would be incredibly unfortunate because we need all those people,” she told EenVandaag.

The early release policy aims to address urgent capacity shortages. Struyken said the measure is not intended to be permanent and emphasized efforts to minimize its use. “We believe that a maximum of two weeks early release will help us get through this year,” he told EenVandaag. “This creates enough space to manage the urgent capacity shortages. What happens after that, I won’t speculate on. I don’t rule anything out.”