SBS Dateline | Open Prison

Far from locking up prisoners and throwing away the key, Greenland’s authorities give inmates the keys to their own cells.

Then after a continental breakfast buffet, they go out to work, or maybe a snowy hike, or they’re armed with rifles supplied by the prison to spend the afternoon hunting.

What would seem inconceivable in most countries is said to suit the small population of Greenland, where everyone knows everyone else and there’s a strong sense of trust… even it seems amongst convicted felons and jailors.

But does it really amount to the deterrent it should be? And what about the victims who meet their attackers on the streets?

WATCH - Nick Lazaredes reports from inside this very ‘open prison’ in the capital Nuuk.

BEHIND THE SCENES - Nick talks about his trip to Greenland and the contrasts between the friendliness of its people and beauty of its scenery, set against its isolation and unique social problems.

MISCREANT MASTERCHEFS - Dateline also recently got an insight into prison life in Italy, where inmates are allowed to work with renowned chefs to cook banquets for local people in the jail restaurant.