The Swedish Prison Service has initiated a feasibility study for a new prison with 400 places in Malung-Sälen municipality. The establishment could create up to 200 new public sector jobs and is welcomed by local politicians. The study is expected to take about six months.
The Swedish Prison Service is examining the possibility of building a prison in Malung due to a large and growing need for prison places across the country. The feasibility study prioritizes a facility in security class 3, secondarily class 2, located just outside Malung next to road E45 towards Mora.
According to the Prison Service, a facility with 400 places could provide around 200 new public sector jobs in the municipality, including prison officers, teachers, kitchen staff, administrators, nurses, and security technicians. The study will assess competence supply, land suitability, and project costs among other factors.
Local politicians welcome the initiative. "A joyful and important first step. As the Prison Service's need for more places grows, it is reasonable to distribute public sector jobs across the country," says Hans Unander (S), chairman of the municipal executive board.
"This establishment is fully in line with the government's tougher criminal policy and if we now get more public sector jobs here, it creates both development and immigration to the municipality," says Anders Rosén (SD), opposition councilor.
