An internal service order from the director of Pavia's Casa Circondariale prison, dated February 19, 2025, has ignited controversy after authorizing the distribution of 720 condoms to inmates for "therapeutic reasons." The directive, which circulated through instant messaging channels among prison police officers, outlined plans for initial distribution with provisions for subsequent supplies. The measure quickly drew scrutiny from prison staff unions and higher administrative authorities.
The Department of Penitentiary Administration (Dap) distanced itself from the initiative, stating it had not been previously informed about the decision. In official responses, the Dap characterized the service order as "poorly formulated" and raised concerns about its potential impact on prison order and security. The department highlighted several unaddressed risks, including inadequate controls, prevention of violent incidents, and the possibility that condoms could be misused to conceal narcotics or other contraband.
Prison police unions reacted strongly to the development, with UILPA Polizia Penitenziaria Secretary General Gennarino De Fazio calling it evidence of "the overall failure of the prison system." De Fazio emphasized that his criticism wasn't based on moral judgment or interference with sexual self-determination, but rather reflected concern that the measure appeared to endorse "do-it-yourself" sexual practices without the safeguards required for regular exercise of inmates' constitutional right to affection. Other union leaders, including Leo Beneduci of Osapp, warned the policy could promote promiscuous relationships and increase sexual violence in prisons.
The controversy has refocused attention on the challenging conditions at the Pavia facility, which houses 704 detainees in space designed for 515, with only 237 guards instead of the required 456. Donato Capece, general secretary of Sappe, noted multiple unresolved critical issues at the prison—including severe overcrowding, staff shortages, and rising assaults—while questioning why condom distribution appeared to be a management priority. Union representatives have called for urgent inspections by the Ministry of Justice and Dap to address what they characterize as systemic failures in Italy's penitentiary system.
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