Dear Colleagues,

The ICPA Board has decided to postpone our 2020 conference in Hong Kong until October 2021. This is most regrettable but under the circumstances the most responsible decision. I have spoken with Commissioner Danny Woo in Hong Kong and I am very pleased that he agrees to continue partnering with ICPA in 2021. In that context the good work already done by all involved with the conference preparation will not be wasted. We will retain the conference theme of “Collaboration in Corrections” which will no doubt be even more relevant when reflecting on the current situation than it already is.

This is the first time in ICPA’s 22 year history that we will not have our annual conference, and I am sure members and sponsors alike will miss our annual gathering and exchange. Let’s be confident and look forward to a great conference in 2021.

In the meantime, ICPA has initiated a COVID 19 in prisons Taskforce. Separate communication is going out to our public sector members to advise on this taskforce which will bring together subject matter experts, operational practitioners and researchers to rapidly establish a source of practice exchange, data and professional advice for all prison jurisdictions worldwide. We will have regional contact persons to ensure relevance for the particular issues in different parts of the world. Obviously, the Taskforce is not limited to the public sector but will be open to participants from all sectors to the benefit of all involved with prisons.

Please stay safe, follow the advice of your health authorities and continue to collaborate.