IN-CJ Podcast 007 with Kirsten Hawlitschek
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In This episode John talks with Kirsten Hawlitschek, Executive director at European Organisation of Prison and Correctional Services (EuroPris). IN-CJ exists to enable conversations about international criminal justice. This podcast is the third of a series about the challenge posed to leaders by the COVID-19 crisis. The people working in the criminal justice system, at the frontline, are facing unique issues in keeping services going and protecting the public. This also means that their leaders are also facing unique challenges. John Scott is finding out how leaders and organisations are responding to COVID-19. It is a chance to share experiences and problems, and to hear stories about creativity and changes.
In this episode of the IN-CJ podcast we are joined by Kirsten Hawlitschek, Executive Director of the International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA). Our discussion explores the ways international networks can support practitioners, researchers, and policymakers working in prisons and corrections around the world.
Kirsten outlines the role of the ICPA in creating opportunities for connection and exchange. By bringing together professionals from different countries and systems, the association encourages practical learning that helps address the shared challenges of running humane and effective correctional services. These challenges range from managing complex prisoner needs, to developing staff skills, and adapting to wider social and policy shifts.
The conversation also highlights how the work of the ICPA relates to the mission of the International Network for Criminal Justice (IN-CJ). Both initiatives emphasise inclusivity, collaboration, and innovation as core values. By fostering spaces for dialogue, they help practitioners move beyond local constraints and learn from approaches developed elsewhere. This international perspective is vital in an era where the issues facing justice systems are increasingly interconnected.
What emerges clearly is the importance of professional networks in bridging knowledge and experience across borders. For practitioners in prisons and corrections, the ability to draw on ideas from colleagues working in other jurisdictions is not a luxury, but a necessity. Networks like ICPA and IN-CJ help build that bridge, ensuring that solutions can be shared, adapted, and applied in ways that benefit both professionals and the communities they serve.
This podcast is part of IN-CJ’s ongoing work to support international dialogue and knowledge exchange in criminal justice practice, policy, and research.
