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In the second of a new series of IN-CJ podcasts, John Scott talks with practitioners in the field of criminal justice about the challenges of maintaining criminal justice services, and keeping people in prisons safe and Covid-19 free. In this episode John talks with Katja Voh and Roman Oresnick of the Prison Service of Slovenia, about the challenges of pandemic and the lockdown of prison and probation services.
In this episode of the IN-CJ podcast series on the COVID Practitioner Challenge, John Scott speaks with Katja Voh and Roman Oresnick, prison staff members at Maribor Prison in Slovenia, about their experiences of working through the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion offers a rare glimpse into how staff managed daily prison life, supported prisoners, and coped with new challenges under the extraordinary pressures of the crisis.
Katja, a pedagogue and case manager, explained her role in supporting inmates with rehabilitation and maintaining family contact. She described how COVID-19 restrictions limited visits, programmes, and group activities, forcing her to find new ways to sustain relationships and provide guidance. Video calls and phone contact became essential, but they could not fully replace the importance of face-to-face connection.
Roman, Head of the Work Department, reflected on the disruption of prison labour during the pandemic. His job is to coordinate prisoner work opportunities and liaise with companies employing inmates. COVID restrictions reduced access to external work and required rapid organisational changes within the prison. This impacted not only inmates’ income and rehabilitation prospects but also the smooth running of prison life.
Both Katja and Roman highlighted the pressures that restrictions placed on prisoners and families. The loss of visits increased frustration, while reduced work and activities led to greater tension within the prison. For staff, the challenge was to adapt to fast-changing rules, prevent outbreaks by restructuring routines, and maintain team communication under strain.
Despite these difficulties, the conversation emphasised positive lessons. The pandemic accelerated the use of digital communication tools, encouraged more flexible teamwork, and fostered empathy. Katja observed that staff themselves gained a deeper understanding of what it means to lose freedom, while Roman noted how small adaptations and simple human connections made a big difference.
This podcast offers valuable insight into the resilience and creativity of prison staff in Slovenia, and the leadership required to maintain security, care, and rehabilitation during one of the most challenging periods in recent history.