During a discussion on the budget in Parliament, Mohamed Salah Tamek, director general of the Prison Administration and Reintegration, revealed that the head of government, Aziz Akhannouch, had committed to “improving the working conditions of prison employees.
Following this, the Government Council studied on Thursday a draft decree aimed at revising the status of prison administration employees in order to harmonize it with that of other security professions.
According to the introductory note of the project, this revision aims to align the status of prison employees with the security nature of the sector, considered as part of internal security missions. The text highlights the particularities of working in a prison environment, including professional responsibilities, the quasi-military regime and the complexity of the tasks carried out in a closed environment.
The decree introduces measures to improve the administrative and professional management of employees, particularly with regard to designations, grades, recruitment and promotion procedures, as well as training.
Advantages for recognizing risks and responsibilities
The project proposes an increase in compensation for supervision, qualification and risks, as well as compensation for specific charges. This reflects recognition of the high risks prison employees face in their daily contact with prisoners and the efforts required to maintain discipline and enforce security measures.
The objectives of the project are to improve the social and financial conditions of prison employees to bring them into line with other security forces, and to motivate employees to actively participate in reintegration programs and improve professional performance. It is also about strengthening the security role of penitentiary institutions.
Missions of prison employees
The text assigns to employees responsibilities including the safety of facilities and people, discipline, as well as the implementation of inmate reintegration programs. They are also responsible for controlling the movements of detainees, carrying out inspections, intervening in emergencies and ensuring the implementation of judicial decisions, including alternative sentences.
Article 7 of the draft prohibits employees from creating or joining unions or political parties, while allowing them to join associations subject to prior agreement.
This decree marks an important step to improve the working environment of prison employees and strengthen their contribution to the security and reintegration system in Morocco.
