In order to prevent civilians from climbing over the prison fence in future, a fence will be moved and additional plants planted. "These measures would have been necessary before commissioning. The fact that they now have to be retrofitted underlines my criticism that the realisation of the Münnichplatz project has been a logistical gut job since the beginning. It would have been better for the young people and the team if the construction site had been completed first, all defects rectified, sufficient staff provided and only then put into operation," said the Ombudsperson, summarising the key findings of the audit report.
According to the Ombudsman Board, the reasons for the scuffles lie in the sub-optimal commissioning process: eleven inmates were transferred to Münnichplatz in January. In March, there were already 21, and the increasing surface area, ongoing construction site, insufficient staff and the resulting extension of the lock-up times have led to unrest among the inmates. "When young people are locked up in the detention room from 4.30 p.m., nobody need be surprised if they get stupid ideas," attests Gaby Schwarz and emphasises: "I constantly point out that staff shortages in the specialist services and the prison guard are a major risk factor."
"With the new prison manager and her staff, a dedicated team is endeavouring every day to provide the young people with the best possible care during the construction site operation. I doubt whether it will be possible to complete the construction site by autumn and start full operation with a school. According to our information, numerous positions are still vacant - both in the prison guard and among the specialised staff," says Ombudsperson Gaby Schwarz, with a final outlook: "If everything is finally realised as planned, the Münnichplatz prison can become a showcase project. However, the capacity will probably be exhausted with the juveniles in Josefstadt. Münnichplatz will therefore not be able to relieve the entire eastern region as planned."
