Based on research and international practices, RESCALED advocates for
small-scale detention houses instead of large prison institutions.
‘Small-scale’ is defined as a maximum of 30 people per facility, and more
correctly to 8 to 25 people. In large-scale prison institutions, the
environment is one of anonymity and bureaucracy, and it can be difficult to
get to know a person in-depth. Too few people can result in a heightened
level of conflict and toxic relationships. A small-scale facility of 8 to 25
enables the creation of a community, where individuals can regain their
autonomy and act responsibly. Through meaningful interactions with staff,
the community and incarcerated people, relationships are strengthened. This
can facilitate dynamic security and improve the social climate in detention.
The maximum of 30 is used to identify whether an inspirational practice can
be regarded as small-scale or not. Facilities with a capacity higher than
this can still be and are inspirational practices that we can learn from.
However, it is important to have a strict limit to not lose sight of why the
number above is recommended and even reinforced through the elements of
differentiation and community integration. Some facilities, although they
can accommodate more than 30 people, do work in smaller living groups. In
this case, this is indicated in the full report.