In Portugal, prisoners will help clean up.

There is remarkable activity on the justice and security side in Portugal. With the 2026-2028 Criminal Policy Law published in the Official Gazette, a number of new practices come into our lives as of September 1. The most prominent topic among them and whose practical benefit in the field is wondered: **Prisoners' participation in forest cleaning**. ### Prisoner Contribution to Forest Clearing and Rehabilitation The General Directorate of Reintegration and Prison Services (DGRSP) will direct prisoners to public benefit jobs within the scope of social integration programs in prisons. As of September 1, prisoners; They will be able to take an active role in clearing bush areas, maintaining and protecting forests and wooded lands. Considering the big forest fires that broke out in the country in recent years and broke our hearts, combating arson and reducing the risk of fire in advance was already a vital issue. This step aims to create a field force for land maintenance and to reintegrate prisoners into society. ### Expanded Search Power for Police in Suspicious Areas The law does not only cover prisons, it also expands the field of action of law enforcement forces. * **Broad Authority on the Street:** A new concept, "areas where crimes with significant social impact are committed", has been added to the text of the law. Although the boundaries of these areas are not specifically defined, the police will be able to carry out special prevention operations more easily in areas where the crime rate or potential risk is high. * **Person and Vehicle Searches:** Police in these defined areas; will be able to stop and search people, vehicles and equipment, and inspect locations when legal conditions are met. ### Old and New Priorities in the Struggle Basic topics such as violent crimes, domestic violence and the fight against corruption continue to receive priority protection. In addition to these, special emphasis will be given to the following topics in the new period: * Fighting hate crimes * Preventing sabotage against critical infrastructures * Prosecution for violations of international sanctions imposed after the Russia-Ukraine war * Combating the use of unlicensed and prohibited weapons ### Progress of the Law In fact, this framework was initially planned to cover the years 2025-2027, but the calendar shifted slightly. The regulation, which was passed by the Council of Ministers in February 2026, was accepted in the parliament on June 12. After it was approved by President António José Seguro on July 17, it was published in the official gazette this week and took its final form. As of September 1, we will all see how the practices will be reflected in the field and how much of a difference these cleaning efforts will make, especially during the fire prevention season.