RESIDENT IN PRISON
A normal apartment, only in prison...
In the early days, the warden and his family also lived on the first floor of the prison. There was a living room, a bedroom, a children's room, a kitchen and a bathroom. So it was a normal apartment. Only in a prison!
In the past, especially in earlier centuries and in some cases well into the 20th century, it was quite common in smaller prisons and institutions for prison officers to live under the same roof or even in the same building as the inmates. There were various reasons for this:
SECURITY AND MONITORING
The constant presence of the guards was intended to ensure security within the prison and prevent escape attempts or uprisings. Living together made it possible to monitor the prisoners at all times, especially at times when staffing levels were low.
ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY
Smaller prisons often had limited resources. Combining living space for guards and detention rooms saved costs for additional buildings and infrastructure.
CONTROL AND DISCIPLINE
The proximity of the guards to the inmates was also intended to help maintain discipline and order. The constant presence of an authority figure nearby could prevent potential misconduct at an early stage.
TRADITION AND CUSTOM
In many cases, this practice had grown historically and corresponded to the ideas of prison administration and operation at the time. There was often no clear separation between the guards' private and official areas.
RURAL OR REMOTE LOCATIONS
Especially in smaller, rural prisons or in remote areas, it was practical to house the guards directly on site to ensure that they were always on standby. Sometimes these were also the only available accommodation nearby.
LIVING IN PRISON
A completely normal apartment, just inside the prison...
In the early past, the guard and his family also lived on the ground floor of this prison. There was a living room, a bedroom, a children's room, a kitchen, and a bathroom.
So, a completely normal apartment. Just
inside a prison!
In the past, especially in earlier centuries and sometimes even into the 20th century, it was quite common in smaller prisons and institutions for guards to live under the same roof or even in the same building with the inmates. There were several reasons for this:
SECURITY AND SURVEILLANCE
The constant presence of guards was intended to ensure security within the institution and prevent escape attempts or uprisings. Living together made it possible to monitor the prisoners continuously, especially during periods when staffing levels were low.
ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY
Smaller prisons often had limited resources. Combining guard housing and cells saved costs for additional buildings and infrastructure.
CONTROL AND DISCIPLINE
The proximity of guards to inmates
was also intended to help maintain discipline and order. Having a permanent authority figure nearby could prevent potential misconduct early on.
TRADITION AND CUSTOM
In many cases, this practice had a historical basis and corresponded to the contemporary ideas of prison administration and operation. There was often no clear separation between the guards' private and professional spheres.
RURAL OR REMOTE LOCATIONS
Especially in smaller, rural prisons or in remote areas, it was practical to house guards directly on-site to ensure constant readiness. Sometimes these were also the only available accommodations nearby.
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