1st International Correctional Research Symposium
 
1st INTERNATIONAL CORRECTIONAL RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM

ICPA in collaboration with EuroPris and the Belgian Prison Service is organising on 27-29 March 2017 in Ghent, the 1st International Correctional Research Symposium.

The  two-day conference aims to improve the ways we conduct research in corrections. Having an accurate and understandable picture of the situation within corrections is crucial for making decisions with regards to how prisoners and ex-offenders are managed and for future planning on a local basis. Information gleaned on a local level is aggregated on a national level to inform heads of service, ministers and policymakers. Furthermore, many academics, NGOs and non-profit organisations conduct research to try to compare this information on an inter-jurisdictional basis.

This conference will focus on each stage of harnessing data at local, national and international levels, to look at current research undertaken within correctional services and by external agencies, and through discussion to share our experiences and seek ways to enhance these processes.  We hope this will be the first in a series of such gatherings that will seek to enhance the way we conduct research and to open routes for future collaborations, knowledge exchange and learning.

The objective of this conference is to:
  1. begin strengthening the global correctional research network to share their experiences and practices in the conduct of applied correctional research;
  2. raise awareness of operational and applied research projects being undertaken globally;
  3. consider ways to encourage greater cross-jurisdictional comparative research, especially in terms of measuring performance and/or correctional outcomes;
  4. begin identifying some potential solutions which can promote the development of shared data definitions and statistical comparisons cross-jurisdictionally. This will be a particular focus of this first Symposium.

The research specialists among our various jurisdictions and departments comprise a large and fragmented community. Their task is a difficult one, and with often limited opportunity or scope to share their knowledge and practices with others or indeed to learn from the work going on in other areas.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

This event has the purpose of inviting researchers with a broad interest in criminal justice and corrections issues, especially as it pertains to the measurement of performance, quality of services and outcomes in the delivery of correctional services, as well as research managers from correctional agencies worldwide, including both prisons and community services. We also invite those working in data analysis technologies to attend and share your experiences with regards to industry recognised methods, tools and approaches for data collection and analysis.

  • Criminal Justice Researchers from Academic Institutions or Research Bodies
  • Research Managers/Coordinators from Public Sector Prison and Correctional Services
  • NGO/Non-Profit Representatives
  • Data Analysis and Software Specialists (Public and Private Sector Representatives)

REGISTRATION

Registration fees are set at the special rate of 195 EUR for delegates from Public Sector, Government, NGO/Non-Profit and Academic institutions (375 EUR for all other participants). For more information and to register for this unique event please contact a member of our team at crs2017@icpa.ca.

EuroPris is offering 2 participants from each of the EuroPris jurisdictions the chance to register for the Correctional Research Symposium without cost.  To see if you are eligible and to receive the code, please contact Julia Ilyina at secretariat@europris.org.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ONLINE REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED. TO REGISTER, PLEASE VISIT THE REGISTRATION DESK AT THE VENUE

AREAS OF FOCUS

By attending this conference you will be able to participate in sessions which address:

  • How to extract useful information on your prisoner population
  • How to plan and structure research activities
  • Methods for collecting data and improving collection processes
  • Dealing with conflicting definitions at local, national and international levels
  • Enhancing understanding through better reporting
  • Transparency vs. risk: responsible sharing of information
  • How to collectively identify key indicators for international comparison and benchmarking

Take part in this unique event which aims to bring our shared understanding of global corrections to the next level. Discuss the challenges and successes with other researchers in the field and learn about the latest tools and techniques which will enable you to perform better analysis within your organisation.

THE PROGRAMME
Monday, 27 March
1830 - 2030 - Organiser's Welcome Reception

Tuesday, 28 March
0900 - 1700 - Plenary and Workshop Sessions
1830 - 2030 - Host Welcome Reception

Wednesday, 29 March
0900 - 1700 - Plenary and Workshop Sessions

Thursday, 30 March
0900 - 1730 - EuroPris Forecasting Workshop (for selected participants only)
0930 - 1200 - Tour of Ghent Prison (limited spaces available)