A Russian penitentiary delegation, led by Lieutenant General Alexander Khabarov, recently concluded a two-day exchange program with the Namibian Correctional Service, praising its low escape rate and strong relationships between officers and inmates. Khabarov recommended a service dog training program for improved contraband control. The program also focused on sharing rehabilitation strategies and concluded with a tribute at Heroes’ Acre.
A delegation from the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia, led by Deputy Director Lieutenant General Alexander Khabarov, completed a two-day exchange program with the Namibian Correctional Service (NCS) on February 26. Khabarov expressed admiration for the NCS’s low escape rate, strong officer-inmate relationships, and thorough security measures. He also recommended introducing a service dog training initiative to strengthen contraband control within correctional facilities.
The NCS indicated that the exchange program facilitated the sharing of operational insights and management practices. Notably, it was stated that there are no Russian inmates presently in Namibian corrections and vice versa. During a tour of the Windhoek Correctional Facility, the delegates discussed offender rehabilitation strategies, secure custody practices, and staff development training.
The exchange concluded with a somber visit to Heroes’ Acre, where the delegation honored Namibia’s fallen heroes and extended condolences on the passing of His Excellency Dr. Sam Nujoma. This visit followed Commissioner-General Raphael Hamunyela’s trip to Russia in October 2024, during which both services formalized a Working Program to implement a Memorandum of Understanding regarding Corrections.
The exchange program between the Russian Federal Penitentiary Service and the Namibian Correctional Service highlighted significant aspects such as low escape rates and strong officer-inmate relationships. The collaboration also emphasized the potential for enhanced security measures through service dog training. Ultimately, the visit fostered goodwill and mutual understanding between the two correctional systems.
Original Source: economist.com.na
