Table 1 Key Principles of the Norwegian Correctional System (Labutta, 2016)

Dynamic Security

Positive interpersonal relationships between correctional staff and incarcerated people are essential for safety and wellbeing in prison; the investment of time, resources, and services that nurture human relationships is essential to reducing the risk of conflict, disruption, and violence.

Normalization

The goal of prison is to return a “better neighbor” to society, therefore living conditions inside a correctional institution should resemble life outside the facility to the maximum extent possible; incarcerated people retain all other human rights aside from the loss of liberty. Policy, practice, and the architecture of a prison should promote individual autonomy and responsibility for making choices necessary in a community setting (e.g., shopping for groceries, preparing meals, earning income and managing finances, enrolling in school or vocational training, and participating in civic duties and activities)

Progression

During incarceration people should gradually advance toward greater freedoms in their

living circumstances, responsibilities, and environments as they progress from admission to reentry into society.