The security measures within penal institutions (the function of maintaining the safety and order of institutions) serve as a foundation upon which the treatment of inmates can be smoothly implemented.
   Table 2-4-3-4 shows the state of incidence of "prison accidents," including escapes, homicide and injury, in 2001.
  Inmates who have violated the rules of penal institutions are punished. In 2001, disciplinary punishments for such rule violations were imposed on inmates in 34,565 cases. Among rule violations, assaults on other inmates (15.3%), neglect of work duty (13.9%) and fighting (8.4%) have high percentages.

Table 2-4-3-4 Number of accidents that occurred in penal institutions (2001)