South Korea's drive to improve conditions for inmates

The Inmate Video Visitation System

It is now more convenient for inmates’ families in South Korea to visit their loved ones in prison.

In July 2000, the Inmate Video Visitation System was piloted at the Su-won Detention Center (Gyeonggi-do) and Gim-cheon Juvenile Correctional Institution (Gyeongsangbuk-do). The system is designed to connect inmates and their family members who would otherwise be unable to visit regularly. The system in the correctional facility is connected, via video cameras and monitors, to video visitation areas for inmates’ families.

This system comprises a PC, video camera, microphone and speaker unit. Since the system utilizes the ATM backbone, all communications are TCP/IP based. For security purposes, the system uses intra-net technology; access is restricted and available only on the Bureau’s local computer servers, thus ensuring confidentiality. Inmates’ communication with kin is via videoconferencing over a dedicated 4M Bps line, at 100M pixel.

In March 2003, the system was installed in all correctional facilities in the country.

The Bureau is preparing to make the system accessible to the Public Prosecutor's Office, the Probation & Parole Office, the Police Agency, and others, so that they can benefit from the cost savings and productivity improvements associated with the use of video communications.

This cost-effective alternative to in-person visits benefits both correctional facilities and the citizens. For correctional officers, it means improved security, a reduced risk of drug and other contraband traffic, and more productive use of their time. For inmates, the system provides an opportunity for extended visitations. Inmates are encouraged to continue bearing family responsibility, and maintain family bonds. For the visitors, it spells a much simpler and accessible visitation process.

Bong-Tae YANG, South Korea’s newly appointed Director General of Correction Bureau, says, "The Inmate Video Visitation System throws in improved communication for inmates and more convenience for visitors, and it's clear that video visitation is a winning solution for all parties. I hope that this system will bring about change in the lives of inmates and their family members, to keep intact family structure via state-of-the-art technology."

Other new initiatives

The Correction Bureau of South Korea also carried out major reforms in correctional systems and facilities to enhance inmates' human rights and to help them develop competitive vocational capabilities during their incarceration.

Amendments were made to the Criminal Administration Act to protect inmates’ human rights as best as possible and uphold the principle that no inmate should be discriminated against because of sex, nationality or social status. In addition, the Bureau recently established The Minimum Standard of Living System for soon-to-be released inmates for their successful settlement in society.

To improve the prison environment, many modernized correctional facilities in the country, such as Yeo-ju Correctional Institution, Sun-cheon Correctional Institution, Cheong-ju Women’s Correctional Institution, Tong-young Detention Center, Chung-ju Detention Center etc were recently constructed or rebuilt.

Korea is also the first Asian country to enact the Private Prison Law, introducing the private prison into their correctional system, in November 2000. Furthermore, a private foundation, 'Agape' was selected, as the trustee of operating a private prison in March 2002. The foundation expects to construct and open a private prison by 2005.

The Bureau has been cultivating inmates' adaptability to society by teaching IT skills and foreign languages, and providing relevant and up-to-date vocational training. Employment Recommendation Committees and Job Information Centers have been set up in all Correctional facilities to guarantee jobs for skilled inmates upon their release. At end 2003, a total of 3139 inmates obtained jobs after their release with the support of the Employment Recommendation Committee.

The Correction Bureau of South Korea believes that these reformative efforts are proper steps for all inmates to return to society and become productive citizens once again. In fact, these measures have contributed to the reduction of recidivism rates in South Korea.

Bong-Tae YANG (Mr.), newly appointed Director-General of Correction Bureau, inaugurated on 19 January 2004, plans many kinds of up-dated programs for the better treatment of inmates in Korea.

South Korea installed Inmate Video Visitation System in all over the correctional facilities in 2003, to make cyber visitation possible in everywhere around the country.