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.