Sense of Security for People Leaving Prisons

Abstract

Convicts returning to life in an open environment – after a period of institutional isolation – are exposed to various situations and stimuli, the excess of which may cause a sense of uncertainty, fear or even threat. The aim of the qualitative research was to learn and understand the experiences of men – repeat offenders – related to their sense of security, and thus to obtain answers to the questions: what is the sense of security and what is its basis? What feelings related to the sense of security accompanied repeat offenders during their stay in prison? What risks were anticipated before leaving the penitentiary unit? How did repeat offenders feel about safety after leaving prison? Research in the phenomenological strategy using the in-depth interview method was conducted in 2024 with five men – penitentiary repeat offenders who had previously left prisons. The aim of the study was to identify and present their sense of security on the basis of in-depth interviews. The collected empirical material was analysed and categories concerning the perception and assessment of one’s own sense of security by the respondents were distinguished. The results of the research made it possible to learn about the readaptation experiences of penitentiary recidivists, which indicate that these people are provided with a sense of security while in prison, but they feel threatened and uncertain before leaving prison. In order to prevent the phenomenon of recidivism, it is advisable to integrate the assistance system for people leaving prisons through the organization of rehabilitation and readaptation programs in isolation facilities and the involvement of the local community.