Tartu thrives as a university city despite its long-standing prison

Tartu remains known as a university city, not a prison city, despite having a prison for over 20 years. No escapes have occurred, and citizen safety has not been compromised. The prison has provided significant regional benefits, creating hundreds of jobs and housing a detention center serving approximately 1800 individuals annually. The city itself would likely bear the cost of operating this center if the prison closed. Concerns about the prison's impact have been amplified by political rhetoric. However, facts demonstrate that the prison has not harmed Tartu, and its continued operation is deemed important for national security readiness.