In the original language
The purpose of this paper is to analyse the historical development and current challenges of professional training for prison service staff in the Czech Republic. This study focuses on the transition from a repressive system under communism to a democratic approach emphasising human rights, ethics and professionalisation. It aims to assess the effectiveness of the current training programmes and their alignment with international standards, highlighting their impact on safety, recidivism reduction and prisoner re-socialisation. The findings aim to inform policymakers and practitioners about the importance of continuous investment in education and professional development for sustainable improvements in the prison system.