Parents Outraged Over Inmates Working in School

19 May 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Parents in Opole Lubelskie protest after inmates working in school, including a man convicted of a brutal rape, were seen inside Primary School No.1.

Parents in Opole Lubelskie have raised alarms after inmates working in school appeared on the premises of Primary School No.1. Moreover, they say one of the men served time for a brutal rape and parents call the situation unacceptable.

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Concerns over inmates working in school

Local parents reported that, since late March, convicted men carried out renovation and art work inside the school. However, parents say the selection of those sent to the institution shocked them. They identified a man sentenced to ten years for torture, beating and rape. In addition, they reported seeing other convicts with violent convictions. Consequently, families fear for children’s direct exposure to those individuals.

What happened and official responses

The Prison Service (Służba Więzienna) confirmed that the man named by parents took part in work at the school. However, officials said his presence was one-off. Moreover, they said staff selected inmates who serve time in a semi-open prison. Therefore, the inmates had permission to take part in such tasks. In addition, the service insisted that the work happened outside normal school hours. Nevertheless, parents dispute that claim. They say inmates used the main corridor where children pass daily on their way to classes and the canteen. Consequently, they argue the lack of proper safeguards created an unacceptable risk.

Legal and practical context

Poland allows supervised work outside prisons as part of prisoner rehabilitation. Moreover, authorities argue such work helps reintegrate convicts. However, Polish law requires risk assessment and supervision. For example, semi-open prisons grant leave for certain projects if inmates behave well. In addition, the prison service must match tasks to inmates’ skills. Therefore, authorities said they chose the man for particular technical skills.

Reactions and safety questions

Parents demanded to know who authorised the placement. Moreover, they asked why the school did not notify families. They also asked what safety measures the school applied. However, the school and prison service said officials supervised the inmates at all times. They also said school staff accompanied the convicts. Nevertheless, parents remain unconvinced. They fear that even supervised access puts children at psychological risk. Consequently, local debate intensified over transparency and child protection.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: In Poland, the prison service is called Służba Więzienna. Moreover, semi-open prisons allow supervised external work as part of rehabilitation. Therefore, officials assess inmates before granting permission. In addition, schools usually must follow local authority rules on outsider access. If you live in Poland, note that official IDs use the PESEL number (national ID), and public services include NFZ for health care and ZUS for social insurance.

For expats, this story matters because it touches public trust. Moreover, the case shows how local decisions can clash with parental expectations. Therefore, ask your school about visitor policies and notification rules. In addition, request written safety procedures in English if you need clarification.

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