Dienst Justitiële Inrichtingen playing cards

An unusual pack of playing cards published by the Dutch Prison Service (Dienst Justitiële Inrichtingen - DJI) subtitled: “A Look Behind the Gates”, intended to give an impression of life inside a custodial establishment. In spite of the bright colours, the message is grim.

If you serve time you'll learn a trade to help reintegrate into society. A prisoner's wife is not to be envied, left with debts, shame and responsibility for the children. In a secure hospital people suffering from mental disorder are risk-assessed for re-offending. Many foreign drug traffickers are women driven by poverty. Although prison life isn't cosy, a team of trained staff is on call day and night to ensure the safety of personnel and inmates... the penitentiary workers guide them on their way back to society.

Above: playing cards published by the ‘Dutch Dienst Justitiële Inrichtingen’: a look behind the gates of Judicial / Custodial institutions. Manufactured in Poland by KZWP-Trefl, c.2003. 52 cards + 2 Jokers + bridge score card in box. The number cards have non-standard arrangements of the pips.