The president of the SNCGP, Frederico Morais, highlighted a year of “struggles and resilience,” expressing confidence that the issues of security within Portuguese prisons will be resolved. His remarks were made in preparation for the Day of the Prison Guard Corps, which coincides with the union’s anniversary.
The union’s main concerns include security within prison facilities, working conditions for the guards, and the deterioration of infrastructure. “We have full confidence in the Minister of Justice and her team,” stated Frederico Morais, noting that the union has received confirmation of an upcoming meeting with authorities to discuss these issues.
Concerns about prison security have been heightened since the escape of five inmates from the high-security facility of Vale de Judeus in September 2024. This incident led to the resignation of the then director-general of reintegration and prison services and subsequent audits of the prisons, as ordered by the Minister of Justice, Rita Alarcão Júdice.
Prison guards have consistently pointed out that a lack of personnel jeopardizes the security of prison facilities. They have also emphasized the need for communication signal blockers to prevent inmates from using mobile phones to contact the outside world.
