Denmark’s prison service is celebrating a major recruitment success as 85 new students began training as prison guards in early 2025, marking the highest enrollment since 2019. The surge comes at a critical time as the country faces a severe shortage of uniformed prison staff and prepares to open several new facilities in the coming years.
Record Breaking Enrollment for Prison Guard Training
The Danish Prison Service, formerly known as Kriminalforsorgen, has welcomed its largest class of recruits in years. In early 2025, 85 students started training programs to become prison guards, transport officers, and workshop supervisors. This represents a significant uptick in interest for careers behind prison walls after years of recruitment challenges.
For Denmark’s prison system, the timing couldn’t be better. With multiple new facilities under construction and existing ones expanding, the demand for qualified staff has never been higher.
Why Career Changers Are Choosing Prison Work
Among the new recruits is 28-year-old Rasmus Petersen, who recently left his career as a carpenter to pursue prison guard training at the Møgelkær Prison training center near Horsens in East Jutland. His decision reflects a growing trend of professionals seeking more sustainable long-term careers.
Petersen explained that the physical demands of carpentry made him reconsider his career trajectory. He realized he needed work that wouldn’t take such a toll on his body over the decades until retirement. A childhood visit to Kragskovhede Prison in northern Jutland had planted a seed that finally took root years later.
The three-year training program alternates between classroom instruction and practical experience. Students earn an average monthly salary of 25,000 kroner throughout their education, making it financially viable to switch careers.
Meeting Denmark’s Growing Prison Staffing Needs
Dion Christensen, a recruitment consultant with the Danish Prison Service, sees the enrollment increase as crucial for the system’s future. The organization has ambitious expansion plans that will require hundreds of additional staff members.
Recently completed projects include a new closed prison in Sønder Omme and expanded capacity at the Ringe facility. A large closed prison near Viborg is scheduled for construction soon. Each new facility increases the demand for trained personnel.
Christensen emphasizes that retention rates in the profession are strong. Two out of three prison guards stay with the service for more than ten years, and many build careers spanning 20 to 30 years. This stability indicates job satisfaction despite the challenging nature of the work.
The Reality of Prison Guard Work
Working as a prison guard in Denmark involves far more than maintaining security. Staff members must balance enforcement duties with rehabilitation support, helping inmates prepare for life after incarceration. The role requires both authority and empathy, making it unsuitable for everyone who applies.
The close personal contact with inmates begins on day one of their sentence and continues throughout their time in custody. Guards serve as both supervisors and mentors, working to prevent future criminal behavior while maintaining order and safety within the facility.
For Petersen, the first three weeks have been positive, though different from his outdoor construction work. He looks forward to starting practical training later in the year, where he’ll apply classroom lessons in real prison settings.
Strict Selection Standards Remain in Place
Despite the staffing shortage, the Danish Prison Service maintains rigorous admission standards. Only one in five applicants successfully completes the screening process and gains acceptance into the training program.
Candidates must meet requirements related to health, legal compliance, and personal character. The civil service nature of the position demands higher standards than many other professions. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate the capability to handle significant responsibility and complex interpersonal situations.
Christensen stresses the importance of selecting individuals who can not only perform the job but thrive in it long term. The screening process aims to identify candidates who can manage the dual nature of the role, enforcing rules while supporting rehabilitation efforts.
According to the Danish Prison Service, all students who complete the training program receive guaranteed permanent employment. This job security, combined with competitive salaries and stable career prospects, makes prison guard work increasingly attractive to Danish job seekers looking for meaningful public service careers.
The recruitment success signals renewed interest in correctional work at a time when Denmark needs it most, positioning the prison system to meet future challenges as it expands capacity nationwide.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: How Do I Find Work in Denmark
The Danish Dream: Best A-Kasse in Denmark for Foreigners
TV2: Det største antal i årevis vil have job i fængsel: Det har været fedt
