Ever wondered what secrets lie behind these walls? This is the Justizvollzugsanstalt Konstanz. It is more than just a prison. It is a place with a long history.
The Justizvollzugsanstalt Konstanz was built between 1873 and 1875. It started as a district prison. From 1914 to 1917, the prison was expanded. A workshop building and storage rooms were added between 1989 and 1990.
In 1976, the Justizvollzugsanstalt Konstanz became independent. Before that, it was part of the public prosecutor’s office. The Singen branch was also connected to Konstanz at this time. Singen is special. It was built during World War II, between 1939 and 1942.
Another addition came in 1978. It was an open unit on Schottenstraße. This was right next to the main prison. In 2012, the Justizvollzugsanstalt Konstanz got a new gatehouse. It is on Schottenstrasse in Paradies. This is close to the district and regional courts. The open unit is now at Untere Laube.
The Justizvollzugsanstalt Konstanz houses men. They are serving sentences of up to 15 months. There are also inmates awaiting trial. Some are there for civil law reasons. About 60 people work here full-time. 50 of them are in the general prison service. Volunteers also help.
The Singen branch is unique. It houses older prisoners. These men are over 62 years old. They are serving sentences longer than 15 months. The prison is designed for their needs. Prisoners can move around more freely. They can manage their daily lives independently. This type of prison is rare in Germany. Other prisons may have special units for older inmates.
In 2007, the Justizvollzugsanstalt Konstanz held an average of 140 prisoners. Usually, inmates stay in single cells. But in the evenings, the cells open. Prisoners can move freely within their unit. They can interact with each other. The Singen branch can house about 40 prisoners.
The Justizvollzugsanstalt Konstanz offers support. There are volunteer counselors. There is also an Alcoholics Anonymous group. Services are available for Christians. An imam cares for Muslim inmates. Activities include cooking classes, painting courses, and sports. Because sentences in the main prison are short, inmates cannot complete vocational training. But they do work about seven hours each day.
So, the Justizvollzugsanstalt Konstanz is more than walls. It is a place of history. It is a place of support and rehabilitation. It is a unique part of Konstanz.