Corfu, June 20 – The Corfu Correctional Facility has undergone a substantial upgrade with the addition of new vehicles, modern equipment, and an increase in specialized staff. Stefanos Gikas, Deputy Minister of Shipping and Island Policy and New Democracy MP for Corfu, announced these improvements following a productive working meeting with Yiannis Lampropoulos, Deputy Minister of Citizen Protection responsible for Correctional Facilities.
Significant Investment in Safety and Operations
During the meeting, discussions focused on the operational aspects and reinforcement of the Corfu Correctional Facility, as well as the progress of plans for its relocation outside the urban fabric of the city. Particular emphasis was placed on the recent acquisition of a new 4×2 SUV service vehicle, one hundred new uniforms, and modern personal equipment. This follows the delivery a few weeks prior of a specialized IVECO personnel transport vehicle, bulletproof vests, modern personal weapons, special protective equipment, transceivers, and other essential items.
As highlighted, this marks the most extensive equipment renewal at the Corfu Correctional Facility in the past twenty-five years, significantly enhancing the safety and operational capabilities of the institution.
Human Resources Boost and European Recognition
Alongside the material upgrades, the human resources of Corfu Prison have also been substantially strengthened in recent years. This includes an increase in correctional officers, as well as specialized scientific and healthcare personnel, such as social workers and nursing staff. This reinforcement is expected to contribute significantly to the smooth operation of the Facility and the improvement of its services.
Mr. Gikas also informed the Deputy Minister about a significant European distinction achieved by the Corfu Correctional Facility. The prison secured fifth place among European prisons for its “Health for All – A Model of Local Social Synergy” program, presented at the 15th Annual General Assembly of “EuroPris” in Malta on June 2, 2026.
Relocation Plans Underway
Regarding the relocation of Corfu Prison, Mr. Lampropoulos confirmed that the project is included in the official planning of the Ministry of Citizen Protection for the period 2026-2030. Evaluation procedures are currently underway to assess the suitability of the proposed site in the Rikinni area.
“The substantial strengthening of the Corfu Correctional Facility, both in personnel and equipment, constitutes a significant development that upgrades the level of security and operation of our Prisons. The renewal of means and equipment that took place at the Corfu Correctional Facility is the largest that has occurred in two decades, while at the same time the Facility was strengthened with specialized personnel, covering long-standing needs,” stated Stefanos Gikas after the meeting.
This comprehensive upgrade underscores a commitment to modernizing correctional facilities in Greece, ensuring both the safety of staff and inmates, and the effective rehabilitation of offenders. The strategic investments in infrastructure, technology, and human capital are poised to enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the Corfu Correctional Facility, aligning it with contemporary European standards.
The ongoing efforts to relocate the prison further demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to urban planning and correctional facility management, aiming to integrate these institutions more harmoniously within their communities while maintaining high standards of security and service.
Source: https://www.ertnews.gr/perifereiakoi-stathmoi/kerkyra/kerkyra-enisxysi-ton-fylakon-me-oximata-kai-eksoplismo-anakoinose-o-stefanos-gkikas/
