The Latvian Justice Minister indicated that 150-200 prison employees might be laid off due to the closure of prisons and the increased use of technology in the new Liepaja prison.
In February, the newly constructed Liepaja prison began its operations, housing all inmates from the former Liepaja facility. This transition could lead to further prison closures, specifically the Jelgava prison and the Grīvas branch of the Daugavgrīva prison, as more inmates are relocated. Justice Minister Inese Lībiņa-Egnere highlighted in an interview with LETA that these changes could result in the loss of 150-200 jobs for prison staff, which is attributed not only to the prison closures but also to the implementation of more technological solutions at the new facility.
The Ministry of Justice in Latvia employs a total of 227 staff members. In 2025, 14 of these employees received monetary awards totaling €16,241 for their significant contributions to achieving the ministry's strategic goals. The annual evaluation for 2025 recognized 183 employees, considering individual performance, work quality, and accountability during the assessment process, indicating a focus on rewarding effective service within the justice system.
These changes reflect ongoing shifts in Latvia's penal system, as the introduction of modern technology is expected to enhance operational efficiency. However, it raises concerns regarding job security for many prison staff, emphasizing the need for a strategic approach to workforce management and support for those affected by these transitions.
