Reintegration as a priority mission in the Meco Military Penitentiary Establishment.

Spain's only military penitentiary center, located in Alcalá de Henares, reinforces its commitment to the reintegration of inmates through educational, therapeutic and social support programs.

The Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, visited the facilities of the Military Penitentiary Establishment in Meco (Madrid), where she highlighted the essential role of civilian and military personnel in the work of reintegrating inmates. During her tour, Robles expressed her appreciation to the team of professionals who, with empathy and commitment, work to offer a second chance to those serving a sentence in this center.

A multidisciplinary team at the service of rehabilitation

The facility is staffed by 230 civilian and military personnel, including doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and lawyers. Their work focuses on detecting the individual needs of the inmates and providing them with practical and emotional tools for their return to civilian life.

Academic training and workshops as pillars of the process

Among the options available, inmates can access university studies in careers such as Business Administration and Management or Law. Workshops are also offered for personal development and the prevention of risky behavior, such as programs on aggression control, road safety and conflict resolution.

Support for families

Robles stressed the importance of supporting not only the inmates, but also their families, pointing out that "the empathy of the staff is key to making the reintegration process complete and real". Accompanied by the Undersecretary of Defense, Adoración Mateos, she remarked the human value that defines this type of institutions.

A unique center in the Spanish military penitentiary system

Inaugurated in 1979, the Alcalá de Henares Military Penitentiary Establishment is the only one in operation in Spain since 1995, following the closure of the Canary Islands center. Its objective remains unwavering: to transform the serving of sentences into an opportunity for change.

Source: https://www.defensa.gob.es/gabinete/notasPrensa/2025/05/DGC-250522-visita-carcel-militar.html