Changhua Detention Center Relocates to Erlin Township, Easing Overcrowding

(CNA, Changhua, June 5, reporter Cheng Wei-chen) The Changhua Detention Center under the Agency of Corrections, Ministry of Justice, relocated from Yuanlin City to Erlin Township, holding its inauguration ceremony today. Minister of Justice Zheng Mingqian expressed hope that it would improve the overcrowding issue and allow inmates to show their future and restart their lives.

The Changhua Detention Center stated that the actual number of inmates on June 4 was 573, while the approved capacity was 312. The new site's capacity has increased to 1,500. The center is currently applying for an expanded staffing structure; once personnel are in place, the inmate population can be increased, alleviating overcrowding in correctional facilities in central Taiwan.

Minister of Justice Zheng Mingqian, Director-General of the Agency of Corrections Lin Hsien-ming, and Changhua County Deputy Magistrate Chou Jie attended the inauguration ceremony today. The event began with a performance by the Lih Jhih Middle School harmonica band, and a drumming and percussion group formed by inmates of the Changhua Prison welcomed the guests.

In his speech, Zheng Mingqian said that correctional institutions are currently facing overcrowding issues, which not only affects the quality of detention but also increases the pressure and burden on frontline staff. He believes that the relocation and inauguration of the Changhua Detention Center will improve the detention situation. The Ministry of Justice values the efficiency of prison administration and will continue to invest resources to improve the hardware space of correctional facilities, promote professional and humane judicial treatment and education, and demonstrate the government's determination to uphold the rule of law and implement fairness and justice.

Lin Hsien-ming stated that the new building was planned in accordance with the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners and prison building technical guidelines. It guarantees 3.4 square meters of living space per person, complete barrier-free and aging-friendly facilities, and ample space for education and counseling. It also utilizes a multi-faceted technology system to balance security and management efficiency, with a bright, energy-saving, and sustainable design concept.

According to the Changhua Detention Center, the center was originally established in October 1968 in Yuanlin City, covering an area of about 1 hectare. To improve detention and correction efficiency, a relocation project was initiated. Construction began in Erlin Township in July 2020, with a total project cost of over NT$3.5 billion and a site area of 7.7 hectares. The project was completed at the end of December 2025, obtained its usage permit in February this year, and began relocation and occupancy on March 30. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150605