Abstract
The Netherlands has traditionally been known for having perhaps the mildest prison policy of the Western world in terms of prisoner numbers and prisoner treatment. However, over the last 15 to 20 years a dramatic change has taken place. The number of detention years has steadily increased since 1985; subsequently an extensive prison building scheme was launched, which resulted in more than double the number of prison cells. The landmark change in prison policy is probably completed by the coming into force of the Penitentiary Principles Act 1999 [ Penitentiare Benginselenwet] (Ministry of Justice 1997b), that became law on 1 January 1999. The new legislation re‐prioritises Dutch prison policy, by emphasising security and sobriety. This article examines causes and effects of these developments.
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