IN-CJ Podcast 050 – Digital Rehabilitation in Prisons

In this episode of  the IN-CJ podcast, John Scott explores the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) report, Digital Rehabilitation in Prisons, that examines the integration of digital technologies in prison rehabilitation processes. The episode features a panel of authors and developers of the report, who share their insights and experiences from the project.

The “Digital Rehabilitation in Prisons” report was authored by Victoria Knight and Stuart Ross, who served as consultants for the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI). Their work was expertly guided and edited by Mana Yamamoto, Matthew Burnett-Stuart, and Alice Roberti, ensuring a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of digital technologies in the context of prison rehabilitation. These contributors played pivotal roles in shaping the research and bringing valuable insights to the study.

The discussion covers the origins and motivations behind the report, aiming to use digital solutions to support the rehabilitation of prisoners. The panelists explain the structure of the report and discuss its key sections, which include ethical considerations, implementation challenges, and the potential impacts of digital technologies on prisoners’ rehabilitation.

John explores who the report targets, including policymakers, prison administrators, and criminal justice professionals, and hears about specific recommendations for good practices in digital rehabilitation. The episode also touches on the future directions the project may take, based on the findings and feedback from initial implementations.

This conversation is valuable for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, justice, and rehabilitation, providing a clear overview of how digital tools can support prisoner rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

Digital Rehabilitation in Prisons

How can digital technology reshape rehabilitation in prisons, and what are the risks and opportunities that come with it? These questions were at the heart of IN-CJ Podcast 050, which marked the launch of a United Nations report on digital rehabilitation. The discussion brought together Victoria Knight (De Montfort University), Stuart Ross (University of Melbourne), Matthew Bernick-Stewart, Mana Yamamoto, and Alice Roberti (UNICRI), in conversation with John Scott.

The report emerged from a UNICRI project, funded by Japan, to assess how technology can support prisoner rehabilitation while remaining aligned with international human rights standards such as the Nelson Mandela Rules. The contributors highlighted both the potential of digital tools and the ethical questions they raise. Digital rehabilitation was framed not only as high-tech interventions like virtual reality but also as simple measures such as enabling family contact by phone or video.

Knight and Ross emphasised the breadth of applications: education and vocational training, behaviour change programmes, re-entry and resettlement support, and staff training. They noted that while COVID-19 forced rapid adoption of digital tools, this often exposed gaps in planning and ethics. The report therefore sets out frameworks and checklists to guide prison services in adopting technology responsibly and strategically.

Central to the discussion was the issue of digital inequality. Many prisons restrict or avoid digital access, leaving people in custody excluded from skills that are essential in everyday life. Addressing this imbalance, the speakers argued, is crucial for rehabilitation and reintegration. Examples such as Argentina’s expansion of family telephone access illustrated how small digital interventions can have profound social impact.

The podcast also explored future steps. Pilot projects are being developed in Namibia and Thailand, testing digital tools adapted to local contexts. Contributors stressed that technology must serve human needs rather than simply cut costs, and that safeguarding, cultural context, and staff engagement are critical for success.

As the panel concluded, digital rehabilitation was described as a bridge – one that can extend the reach of rehabilitative services, reduce inequalities, and connect people in prison to the skills and relationships they need for life beyond custody.