IN-CJ Podcast 022 – Establishing the IN-CJ Network in a Time of Global Crisis
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This session from the IN-CJ Newsdesk was a conversation between John Scott and John Coster about how the IN-CJ Network came about, and how it’s priorities have shifted in response to the global pandemic. John Scott shared his experience as a senior leader within the probation service in England, and shared his thoughts on what he sees as the greatest challenges supporting the criminal justice community in building an international network focussed on practice and professional experience.
This podcast reflects on the origins and development of the International Network for Criminal Justice (IN-CJ), created to provide a practitioner-led platform for global dialogue and exchange at a time of unprecedented uncertainty.
As John Scott explains, the idea of IN-CJ was shaped by the disruption of Brexit and accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Both events highlighted the fragility of international collaboration in criminal justice and the need for an independent space to sustain connections across borders.
The purpose of IN-CJ is clear: to create a fast-moving, inclusive forum where practitioners, academics, policymakers, and people with lived experience can share knowledge and insight. Unlike traditional conferences, often dominated by formal structures and senior voices, IN-CJ prioritises equity of contribution, valuing the perspectives of those working on the ground as well as those in leadership.
The network’s strength lies in its use of digital media – podcasts, webinars, YouTube, and social channels – to enable accessible and timely exchanges. The launch of the IN-CJ News Desk during the pandemic demonstrated how open conversations could continue despite restrictions, fostering dialogue that was global in scope and immediate in relevance.
Looking ahead, the podcast outlines a vision for IN-CJ as both an informal and formal network, with partnerships extending to universities and organisations worldwide. Its focus on conversation, listening, and reflection aims to complement existing professional bodies while carving out a unique role as a hub for collaborative practice.
This discussion captures the spirit of IN-CJ: a network born out of crisis, sustained by inclusivity, and committed to building a platform where criminal justice knowledge can be shared and co-created globally.
Listen to the full discussion in IN-CJ Podcast 022 – Establishing the IN-CJ Network in a Time of Global Crisis.
