State strengthens re-socialization project for detainees in the penitentiary system of Pará
Partnership between Seap and Scientific Police contributes to the reduction of criminal recidivism
Social reintegration strategy, income generation, and reduction of criminal recidivism, the state project "REINSÉRIE ORÉ", resulting from an agreement between the State Secretariat for Penitentiary Administration of Pará (Seap) and the Scientific Police of Pará (PCEPA), strengthens the re-socialization of people deprived of liberty in the state's penitentiary system. The purpose is to absorb prison labor to develop cleaning and maintenance services.
"It is a job that generates income, both for the detainee and for their families, because up to 50% of the minimum wage can go to the family, which uses the resource to ensure their livelihood out here, while the individual serves the semi-open regime. Part of this salary also stays in a savings account that the individual can withdraw when they become an ex-prisoner. The goal is to ensure that we have a process of social reintegration through the strategy of prison work," says Belchior Machado, director of Work and Production at Seap.
M.M.S.C., a detainee participating in the project, performs general services work. "I feel good doing this work, I feel happy. Thank God I have the opportunity to go out to work. I just want to redeem my sentence to go home and rebuild my life out there. I thank God very much for this chance to re-socialize and when I get out there I will seek to be a new person," he assures.
The agreement, in effect since 2019, has already benefited 36 people deprived of liberty. The inmates receive a salary of R$ 1,518.00, according to the Penal Execution Law (LEP), which is divided into three forms: salary, peculium, and penitentiary fund.
"The workforce is the best possible, as the detainees always deliver quality services, they are very dedicated to their work. With this initiative, we are contributing to social reintegration, generating jobs and income for the inmates and helping to pave a new path away from crime," highlights Celso Mascarenhas, general director of the Scientific Police.
The detainee M.O.G, a participant in the project, celebrates the importance of the initiative for daily life during this delicate period. "I see work as an opportunity not only to go out a little, breathe fresh air, but also to reflect on our past and correct our mistakes, seeking to help other people in need. I want to be ready, able to re-socialize, when I have the opportunity to return to a normal life in a dignified way," he concludes.
