Exploration of the judicial and prison system: an enriching immersion for the HSSD

The High Studies for Security and Defence (HSSD) offer more than high-level theoretical education. By allowing their participants (‘auditors’) to explore the workings of judicial and prison institutions in concrete terms, they provide them with a vision of the issues at stake in terms of security and justice. The recent visit organised in this context took our auditors to the Ghent Palace of Justice and to Dendermonde prison.

A morning dedicated to justice

As soon as 8.30am, the auditors were welcomed at the Ghent Court of First Instance, where they had the opportunity to meet the president of the court. He explained how the institution operates, highlighting the current issues facing the Belgian justice system. This introduction provided a clear framework for the role of the judiciary in national security.

An immersion in the reality of the judiciary

After this presentation, a guided tour of the court was organised, offering an overview of the various services and professions that revolve around the justice system. The highlight of the morning was undoubtedly the opportunity to attend a criminal hearing, allowing the auditors to observe at first hand the progress of a trial, analyse the interactions between magistrates, lawyers and justiciables and deepen their understanding of the judicial system. The auditors were then led to the Court of Assizes.

Lunch break with the Federal Police

After this informative morning, the auditors had lunch with members of the Federal Police in Ghent. This informal exchange provided an opportunity to discuss cooperation between the police and the courts, as well as the security issues involved in criminal investigations and maintaining law and order.

Immersion in the prison system in Dendermonde

The afternoon was devoted to an exploration of the prison system. In Dendermonde, the auditors attended a detailed presentation by the General Directorate of Penitentiary Institutions (DG EPI). This was an opportunity to explore the inner workings of prison management, to understand the current and future challenges and to address reintegration policies.

The visit to the new prison of Dendermonde allowed the auditors to be directly confronted with the realities of detention, discovering the infrastructure, the role of the staff and the difficulties related to overcrowding and radicalisation in prisons. Finally, a question-and-answer session allowed this immersion in the prison environment to conclude with some reflections.

The importance of the HSSD in a leadership training course

This visit illustrates the extent to which High Studies for Security and Defence training is not limited to theory. It is based on a pragmatic and immersive approach, offering auditors concrete insights into the realities of security and justice institutions.

The HSSD trains senior officers, civilian executives and various experts who are called upon to play a key role in security and defence management. Understanding the interactions between the justice system, law enforcement and the prison system is essential to anticipate future challenges and adapt national security policies. By enrolling at the HSSD, auditors join a programme that combines intellectual rigour, field expertise and the development of an influential professional network. For those aspiring to a career at the top of the security and defence stakes, the HSSD represents an invaluable springboard to strategic responsibilities.