He explained that currently, no more than one third of the entire prison system benefits from modern infrastructure, while the remaining places of detention still require significant improvements. "Much remains to be done to ensure that places of detention meet international standards, which stipulate that no more than two prisoners live in a cell and each is provided with at least 4.5 square meters of living space," the minister explained. Smiltenš noted that the task is clear: to gradually increase the share of places of deprivation of liberty that meet modern security and human rights requirements, expanding the modernization of the entire system. The minister emphasized that places of detention should facilitate the resocialization of individuals, rather than increase the risk that they will reoffend after release and return to society. According to the minister, the possibilities of gradually approaching these standards have already been discussed with the State Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Mikhail Papsuevich, including through the assessment of the use of modular infrastructure, which would allow for faster expansion or modernization of places of detention. Smiltenš indicated that significant financial resources of at least 40-50 million euros would be required to make substantial progress towards this goal. "This is a long-term investment not only in prison infrastructure but also in public safety and more successful resocialization of convicts," the minister explained. Evaluating the statistics on suicide cases in places of detention received from the Prison Administration, Smiltenš expressed the opinion that it is impossible to prevent all suicides; however, the experience of developed countries shows that risks can be significantly reduced. As one solution, the minister pointed to the use of modern technologies. "Nowadays, sensors and artificial intelligence-based solutions are available that analyze movement patterns and other signs, timely alerting staff to potential risks of self-harm or other incidents," Smiltenš explained. He emphasized that such technologies already exist and are increasingly used in other countries, and Latvia also needs to continue developing in this direction, paying special attention to places of detention for minors. As a positive example, Smiltenš cited the new Liepāja prison, explaining that the technologies and solutions used there show the direction in which the entire system of places of detention should develop.