Andorra Prison Service Plans 21 Hires Amid Expansion and Retirements

Andorra's prison service, currently at 66 uniformed officers after recent additions, plans to hire five more to reach 71 but requires nine additional staff to meet operational needs and hit an optimal total of 80. Over the next five years, the service anticipates needing up to 21 new hires to cover those gaps plus 12 expected retirements.

Miquel Àngel Garcia Val, head of the Department of Penitentiary Institutions, outlined these requirements during Monday's event honouring the corps' patron saint, Mare de Déu del Remei. "A sufficient number of officers to cover all needs at 100% would be around 80, but we're on the right track," he stated. He noted the 12 retirements would be filled as they occur.

The event also brought confirmation of plans to expand the prison facilities. Justice and Interior Minister Ester Molné announced the government has approved the purchase of an adjacent 1,800-square-metre plot for €260,000 plus taxes, with the public deed to be formalised this week. The expansion aims to address space shortages, including a dedicated mental health module separate from the minors' area to resolve current organisational issues. It would also enable new workshops, therapeutic activities and reintegration spaces. Molné said a technical study would follow next year to define the project, with construction decisions deferred to the next legislative term.

On inmate mental health, Garcia Val reported six of the usual 41 prisoners currently have such issues, down from nearly a dozen last year when the population was higher.

Head of Government Xavier Espot praised the officers' "discreet but essential" role beyond custody, stressing reintegration as key to a secure society. "The ultimate goal must be for inmates to return with more tools, responsibility and capacity to build a crime-free life," he said. Espot also highlighted the recent creation of eight sub-officer positions to strengthen command structure.

Molné commended staff adaptation to a more complex reality and multidisciplinary teamwork. Four officers received awards for their careers during the ceremony, which recognised the profession's demands in accompaniment, responsibility and rehabilitation. She noted three new officers had recently completed training and joined probation.

Espot reiterated government efforts to grow the force within budget limits, improving organisation, service and conditions for those in high-responsibility roles. Molné added training progress, including upcoming mental health sessions from the Andorran Health Assessment and Support Service in collaboration with the University of Andorra.