In response to ongoing overcrowding issues, Finland is expanding its prison capabilities with the construction of new cell blocks in both Helsinki and Kylmäkoski prisons. This initiative will add a total of 180 new spaces, with 120 added to the Helsinki facility and 60 to Kylmäkoski. The planned construction uses modular building techniques, which allows for quicker deployment compared to traditional prison building methods, as the structures are pre-assembled to a significant degree in factories before being installed on-site.

The necessity for expansion is underscored by a significant increase in the prison population, driven largely by changes in legislation and longer sentencing guidelines. The overcrowding in existing facilities has resulted in heightened tensions and violent incidents among inmates, prompting the government to take urgent action to alleviate these conditions. The construction of these new cell blocks will commence in May and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

In addition to the new construction in Helsinki and Kylmäkoski, Finland is also undertaking further measures to address the growing inmate population. This includes building an extension to the Turku prison and relocating a cell block from Pelso to Hämeenlinna. Furthermore, a brand new prison is proposed to be constructed in Lempäälä, Pirkanmaa. Collectively, these projects are set to increase the total number of prison spaces to meet the rising demand for incarceration in Finland.