The head of the Department of Penitentiary Administration (DAP), Dr. Stefano Michele De Michele, conducted an inspection of three emblematic penitentiaries in Campania: Naples Poggioreale "G. Salvia", Santa Maria Capua Vetere, and Naples Secondigliano.
CON.SI.PE. was present, ready to listen to the treatment plan recommendations, but above all to bring the voices of those who, every day, face the reality behind bars.
That voice speaks a bitter truth: a system beleaguered by a historic staff shortage and structural problems. Compounding the situation is a record 130% overcrowding and a prison system at the brink of collapse, lacking adequate staff and technological tools.
The visits conducted on August 7, 8, and 9 also highlighted another critical aspect: internal security is constantly at risk unless a serious plan is implemented to reduce the prison population and concrete, dedicated solutions are implemented for the management of inmates with psychiatric disorders.
"We expect Dr. De Michele to take concrete action, starting with the well-being of his staff and not just managing the emergency," said Vice President Luigi Castaldo and National Director Vincenzo Santoriello.
A Penitentiary Police Force already brought to its knees by years of political neglect cannot settle for stopgap solutions: it needs real reform, capable of restoring dignity and protection to the thousands of women and men who, with a spirit of sacrifice and a strong sense of duty, continue to ensure safety and legality even when everything seems to be going against them.
The article discusses the difficult situation in Campania's prisons, and it seems to me that there are many issues that need to be resolved. Especially the staffing issue and overcrowding. It's important to take action to improve the living conditions of inmates.