Maximum Security Smart Prison to Open in Northeastern Hungary

Hungary Today 2024.04.11.

The maximum security prison in Csenger (northeastern Hungary) stands out as a curiosity in multiple respects. On one hand, it is huge, with a capacity of 1,500 prisoners. On the other, it will be the most modern of its kind in Hungary. The facility open in a few months, reports Világgazdaság.

Since last autumn, it has been known that a new prison is being built in Csenger, in Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg county. At the time, the Hungarian Prison Service Headquarters (BVOP) said that the new facility was the latest stage in the prison service’s capacity expansion program.

The maximum security prison in Csenger will have a capacity for 1,500 prisoners, albeit in two phases. First, 1,000 places will be created, then another 500. In addition, it will be the most modern of its kind in Hungary.

Photo via Instagram/hungarianprison

It was already known that the project would be completed sometime in the autumn. However, Index has now reported that

the handover of the prison in Csenger will happen in September, five months from now.

The exact date is scheduled for September 30.

It is an unprecedented, so-called smart prison:

the prison doors are keyless, with facial recognition
every step of the inmates can be controlled
and artificial intelligence (AI) will analyze their behavior, including facial expressions.

This is so that if prisoners behave in an unusual way, the system sends a signal to the guards to prepare for an emergency. Surveillance will be provided by 663 staff members. Inmates will be able to manage their affairs via a closed online channel, hence they will receive up-to-date information about their money, the processing of their applications, and their work schedule.

Photo via Instagram/hungarianprison

The development costs around HUF 50 billion (EUR 128 million) and covers an area of five and a half hectares. Inmates will have the opportunity to learn and work in this facility, which will include classrooms and two workshops.

The Csenger prison is so innovative that the new technology used here also raises data management concerns. At the very least, the parliamentary report of the Hungarian National Authority for Data Protection and Freedom of Information states that the current legislative environment does not allow for the introduction of all the planned innovations, which is why it is essential to review and amend the legislation.

Fact

The investment will create not only places for prisoners but also jobs, as the new facility will need nearly 700 staff to run its operations. To this end, a recruitment office is available in Csenger for those interested. Training of new staff is underway, with four classes having already begun their studies.

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Via Világgazdaság, Index; Featured image via Instagram/hungarianprison