Meet Paulo Rio: The New Deputy Director of Portugal's Prisons Amidst Controversy

New Appointment in the Prison System

In a recent shake-up within Portugal's prison administration, Paulo Rio has been appointed as the deputy director of the General Directorate of Reintegration and Prison Services (DGRSP). This follows the nomination of Orlando Carvalho, the former director of the Coimbra prison, as the new director-general of the DGRSP. The announcement was made public by Justice Minister Rita Alarcão Júdice during a parliamentary session.

Background on Paulo Rio

Paulo Rio, previously the director of the Funchal Prison, has held his position for approximately one year. His new role will have him working closely with Carvalho, who has extensive experience in prison management, having served as director of Coimbra prison since 2013 and previously managed other facilities.

Changes in Leadership

The minister confirmed that Isabel Leitão, who led the DGRSP, will return to her previous role as deputy director, focusing on administrative and financial matters. The official start of these new roles is pending formal appointments from the Prime Minister and the Justice Minister.

Addressing Security Concerns

During the parliamentary discussions, the minister addressed recent issues concerning security in prisons, including the smuggling of drugs into facilities, which has raised concerns about the effectiveness of current measures. She mentioned the need for enhanced security protocols and discussed the potential implementation of mobile signal jammers to combat the issue.

The Future of Prison Management

The new leadership team is expected to address these urgent security challenges while continuing to promote effective reintegration strategies for inmates. The discussions and actions taken by this new administration will be critical in shaping the future of the prison system in Portugal.