More violence among inmates than against staff in Hesse - Hesse's prisons report 229 violent incidents but few convictions in 2025
Hesse's prisons recorded 229 violent incidents among inmates from January to August 2025. Yet only 12 of these cases led to an indictment or conviction, according to official figures released by the Hessian Ministry of Justice. Justice Minister Christian Heinz (CDU) shared the data in response to a parliamentary inquiry, highlighting ongoing challenges in addressing prison violence.
The statistics revealed that violence among prisoners remained steady compared to 2019 levels. However, attacks on staff showed a slight increase over the same period. Despite these incidents, no Hessian prison operated beyond its official capacity, and no cells were designated as emergency or temporary housing.
As of October 31, 2025, 3,980 inmates were held in single cells, while 552 shared accommodation with others. Shared cells were permitted only under strict conditions, ensuring no more than three prisoners per cell and no harmful influence among them. Authorities confirmed that no detention orders had been delayed or blocked due to overcrowding.
To tackle violence, prisons implemented measures such as de-escalation training for staff, regular drug searches, and the use of specialised protective equipment. Meanwhile, staffing shortages persisted, with 93 vacancies out of approximately 2,000 positions in general correctional services.
The figures show a low conviction rate for inmate-on-inmate violence, despite ongoing prevention efforts. With no overcrowding reported and strict rules for shared cells, Hessian prisons continue to focus on improving safety. The slight rise in attacks on staff remains a concern for correctional authorities.
