"Behind bars" - insight into everyday prison life in the lecture hall at the University of Siegen

An everyday working life between responsibility and humanity

Guests Ismael Blum, Suicide Prevention Officer in the Psychological Service, Anna-Lena Bender from Social Services and Carolin Knoche, responsible for addiction counseling in Attendorn Prison, reported on their day-to-day work "behind bars". They not only gave a structured overview of their fields of work, but also very personal insights into the challenges and special features of their professions.
The attitude of the speakers towards the inmates entrusted to them was particularly impressive. Despite the crimes committed, the unanimous tenor was that human dignity remains inviolable. The prisoners are people with personal destinies, psychological burdens, family problems or debts - and need appropriate support. The prison system does not see itself as a place of additional punishment, but as a structured environment with targeted help: debt counseling, psychological support, addiction counseling and pastoral care are therefore part of the standard offer.

Ethics in the prison system: between the duty of care and the limits of intervention

A central topic of the subsequent discussion was suicide prevention in prison. How far can - or must - the prison system go to protect a person's life? This ethically complex question led to a lively debate among those present, which showed how differentiated the field of work is.
Profession with prospects - also financially attractive
In addition to the content dimension, the event was also intended to provide career guidance. After all, qualified staff are sought after in the prison system - with attractive starting salaries and secure employment prospects. The speakers provided transparent information about earning opportunities and career paths, which was well received by many students.

Advertising with charm and a twinkle in the eye

The prison team also had a wide range of promotional material with them: pens, mugs, notepads, barbecue lighters, roast coffee from the Knastbohne brand and lovingly sewn "prison bags" made from old prison bed linen. An appealing way to dispel prejudices and arouse interest.

A prisoner transporter you can touch

A special highlight was the prisoner transporter that was brought along, which could be viewed after the event on the square in front of the Lower Castle, where the Siegen branch was located until 2011. The speakers were supported by Marco Dalfino, a member of the general prison service at Attendorn Prison. Anyone who wanted to could be handcuffed and locked up inside - under supervision, of course - and experience the situation from the perspective of a prisoner. They were also allowed to try on the prison officers' protective clothing: Body protection suit, helmet and protective shield included. The practical demonstration complemented the theoretical part in an impressive way.

Continuation planned - great response

The event was already a complete success last year - and could be expanded in this year's edition. Due to the renewed high level of interest, a continuation is also planned for next year.
The professorship would like to thank everyone involved for their commitment and the open, human insight into a professional field that deserves more attention - and is urgently looking for new talent.

Author: Elke Reinhardt, Photos: Elke Reinhardt, Adrian Serban, Andrea Thielmann