The guard shortage in Finland's prisons has meant more work for guards and less time for prisoners' visitations. The prison guards' union says prisons are understaffed. "The reality at the moment is that we're unable to maintain the smooth functioning of the system," says Jaakko Kopra, director of the western Finland prison district. Kopra says current budget funds fall short in covering both personnel and inmate costs. He is not yet able to say whether the lack of funds will lead to job losses in the prison system. In 2007, there were an average 3551 inmates in Finland, of whom 8.6 percent of were foreigners, according to the Criminal Sanctions Agency. YLE
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