Member of Parliament Francisco César has formally questioned the Government of the Republic regarding the shortage of prison guards and security conditions at the Angra do Heroísmo Prison, as well as at other correctional facilities in the Autonomous Region of the Azores.

The parliamentary initiative follows a recent visit to the Angra do Heroísmo facility, during which, according to the leader of the Azorean Socialists, some operational improvements were observed. Still, Francisco César emphasized that these advances are not the result of structural government action, but rather of the commitment and professionalism of staff on the ground.

“The improvements seen today are largely the result of the effort, dedication, and professionalism of prison guards, and not of a structured response by the Government,” he stated, according to a press release sent to newsrooms.

In his formal inquiry to the Executive, the Socialist lawmaker warns of a serious and persistent personnel shortage that jeopardizes the safety of staff and inmates and the overall maintenance of order in the region’s correctional institutions.

“The recommended ratio between prison guards and inmates, often cited as one guard for every three inmates, is not being met in the Azores, creating a vulnerable situation that could lead to serious incidents,” César stressed.

He further noted that the Azores’ status as an ultraperipheral region requires immediate and structural responses from the State, particularly to strengthen human resources, ensuring that prison services operate under conditions of safety, efficiency, and dignity.

“We cannot continue demanding more from professionals without providing them with the necessary resources. Ensuring safety, order, and dignity in the enforcement of sentences is a responsibility of the State,” he added.

In the formal request submitted to the Assembly of the Republic, Francisco César asked the Government to provide the current number of prison guards serving in Azorean correctional facilities, broken down by unit, as well as the existing staff-to-inmate ratio at each institution. He also inquired whether the Government acknowledges the personnel shortage in the region—particularly at the Angra do Heroísmo Prison—and what concrete measures are planned to reinforce staffing levels, including recruitment processes, assignments, or personnel transfers.

César further requested a detailed timeline for implementing these measures, warning that the absence of structural solutions compromises not only internal prison security but also compliance with constitutional principles and Portugal’s international human rights commitments.

In Correio dos Açores, Natalino Viveiros-director.

Translated into English as a community outreach program by the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL), in collaboration with Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno. PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.