Latvia backs July 8 national day for prison staff

Latvia’s government has backed a proposal to designate July 8 as Penitentiary System Employees’ Day, LSM reported Friday. The date would recognise the contribution of prison staff and the importance of their duties to the state. The change must still be approved by parliament.

The Justice Ministry said the term “penitentiary system” refers to the prison system. Latvia has eight prisons with about 3,600 inmates. The Prison Administration employs 1,595 officers with special service ranks, 19 civil servants and 321 other employees.

Staff work with inmates to help them lead law-abiding lives after release and avoid returning to court, the ministry said. Its explanatory note describes the work as demanding and requiring broad knowledge, while also being governed by strict principles and laws.

The Prison Administration already marks July 8 each year by honouring and awarding staff. The date is linked to July 8, 1919, when the Justice Ministry established the Main Board of Prisons and appointed Ervins Kubi as its inspector. The board operated at Riga Castle.

The staff’s professional day is not currently a nationally recognised observance. Firefighters, border guards and police have recognised days on May 17, November 7 and December 5, respectively. The Justice Ministry proposed the change to recognise prison staff’s contribution, raise the profession’s standing and improve employee motivation.