“Silence those cellphones,” a stern voice echoes. We are standing before Casa Reclusione Milano-Bollate II C.R.. This is no ordinary building. It is a place of confinement and surprisingly rehabilitation.
Casa Reclusione Milano-Bollate II C.R. opened in December 2000. It was designed as a low-security prison for common criminals. The goal was to balance punishment with re-education. The prison stands in Milan.
The penitentiary system in Milan includes the San Vittore prison. It also contains the Opera and Bollate Institutes. These facilities aim to provide treatment courses. These include work, training and cultural activities.
Bollate has a female section too. There is also an advanced treatment department for sex offenders. The prison wants to help inmates reach their full potential.
Jehovah’s Witnesses have been offering Bible studies for 13 years. The prison administration noticed positive changes. Inmates seemed to regain hope through spirituality. Prison officials allocated a large room as a Kingdom Hall for worship. Over 100 inmates have attended services.
The prison provides various activities managed by third parties. These include woodworking and catering. There is even a plant nursery. Inmates can also participate in tailoring and jewelry making. One company assembles electrical components here.
Inmates can work as qualified bricklayers and electricians. They can become gardeners or plumbers. There are also opportunities to work in the kitchen or as barbers.
Visiting Casa Reclusione Milano-Bollate II C.R. involves a detailed process. Family and friends need authorization from the director. Lawyers must book appointments in advance. There are specific days and times for visits.
Inmates can receive packages with clothing. They can receive food that meets certain requirements. Sending money is possible through postal accounts.
Casa Reclusione Milano-Bollate II C.R. has a capacity for over 1200 inmates. It employs hundreds of police and administrative staff. The facility includes various spaces. There are sports fields and a theater. There are also workshops and a library.
Despite its primary function as a prison, Casa Reclusione Milano-Bollate II C.R. strives to offer inmates a chance at rehabilitation. The prison aims to prepare them for life beyond these walls. It wants them to return to society as productive citizens.