On 17th June 2025, IN-CJ and the Probation Institute co-hosted an international webinar exploring some of the most pressing questions in criminal justice: how do we understand serious offending, how should probation systems respond, and what kind of reform is truly needed? The event brought together experts from France, the United Kingdom, and the United States to share insights shaped by research, inspection, and frontline experience. Their reflections are now available in a podcast edition of the session.
Professor Martine Herzog-Evans, a criminologist from Université de Reims, offered a comparative view from France, especially in relation to domestic violence and coercive control. She highlighted the growing awareness of these issues across Europe but cautioned that criminal justice responses remain inadequate — and, in many cases, harmful. She described a justice system still reliant on bureaucratic and legalistic models that fail to meet victims’ needs or prevent repeated harm. Her contribution called for trauma-informed, evidence-based interventions and warned against populist tendencies that risk further entrenching punitive, ineffective practices.
Professor Faye S. Taxman, a leading criminologist at George Mason University, turned attention to the limitations of how we assess and supervise individuals with violent behaviours. She argued that traditional risk and need assessments routinely miss patterns of violence, focusing instead on static or generic markers. Violence, she contended, is not always offence-specific and should be treated as a behavioural issue rather than merely a legal classification. Taxman called for supervision practices that focus on individual triggers, relational dynamics, and situational responses — particularly beyond substance misuse — to more effectively address violent tendencies.
Martin Jones CBE, Chief Inspector of Probation for England and Wales, gave a candid summary of recent inspection outcomes. Since taking office in March 2024, he noted that every adult Probation Delivery Unit inspected has been rated either “inadequate” or “requires improvement.” This troubling consistency reflects a significant decline in the quality of public protection work, driven by deficits in staffing, resources, and system coherence. Yet, Jones pointed to the contrasting success of youth justice services — many of which continue to perform well — as an indication that reform is possible. His remarks emphasised the need for systemic rethinking, particularly in the context of any future sentencing review.
Shared Reflections and Conclusions
While each speaker addressed a distinct dimension of serious offending, several key themes emerged. First, the importance of moving beyond system preservation toward meaningful reform — one that embraces complexity and builds capacity for relational, trauma-informed approaches. Second, the need to challenge the over-reliance on risk management tools and instead centre human behaviour, context, and motivation. And third, the recognition that international comparisons can both expose blind spots and inspire change.
This conversation does not pretend to offer a single solution to the challenges facing probation and justice systems today. Rather, it opens up a space for deeper reflection, critical questioning, and collaborative learning. We invite listeners to engage with the full discussion via the podcast, and to consider how these insights might inform their own practice or policy thinking.

In this episode of the IN-CJ Podcast, we launch Just Arts—a new series exploring the intersections of creative arts and criminal justice—by speaking with Dr Xiaoye Zhang, Senior Lecturer in Criminology at De Montfort University, Leicester. Hosted by John Scott and co-produced with the Chinese podcast Prison Desires, this conversation sets the tone for an internationally oriented dialogue on how arts-based practices influence our understanding of punishment, rehabilitation, and social transformation.
Xiaoye’s academic journey spans Shanghai, Hong Kong, and the UK, with a background in English, applied theatre, and criminology. Her reflections are deeply shaped by her experience working across cultural and institutional contexts, offering a rare perspective on the global differences—and surprising similarities—in how justice systems use and understand punishment.
A central thread of this episode is Xiaoye’s engagement with theatre in prison settings. Drawing from her own practice and ethnographic research in Chinese correctional institutions, she discusses how drama can be seen as both a tool of rehabilitation and a mechanism of institutional control. This duality—art as liberation and as regulation—raises crucial questions about the role of culture in the carceral state.
The conversation moves across diverse terrains: from institutional ethics and academic publishing norms to the epistemological foundations of criminology in different regions. Xiaoye compares criminological practice in mainland China, Hong Kong, North America, and Europe, revealing how disciplinary boundaries and research priorities are shaped by deeper ideological and structural conditions. Her insights underscore how Western academic expectations, such as journal impact factors and research metrics, influence the kind of knowledge that is seen as legitimate—and how this differs from more legally-oriented models of criminology in China.
Xiaoye also discusses the challenges and possibilities of podcasting in China. Through her show Prison Desires, she and her co-host create a rare platform for open dialogue on criminal justice and artistic practice in a heavily regulated media environment. For her, podcasting is not just dissemination—it’s a form of public engagement that bridges the gap between academia and lived experience, particularly for Chinese audiences who may otherwise have limited access to critical criminological discourse.
This episode is more than a personal story—it’s a lens through which we can understand how justice is shaped by context, by culture, and by the tools we use to express, reform, or resist it. It reminds us that criminal justice is not a fixed system, but a dynamic set of practices that reflect and reproduce broader social values. And it opens space for reflection: How do we define a “good life” across societies? What roles do the arts play in shaping ethical responses to harm? And what can we learn from listening, not just within our borders, but across them?
As Just Arts continues, we’ll build on these themes by speaking with artists, practitioners, researchers, and people with lived experience from around the world. Each episode will offer a unique perspective on how the arts are used to work with, challenge, or reimagine criminal justice.
Listen to the podcast via Spotify / Apple / IN-CJ website and join us in broadening the conversation.
Contact us if you’d like to take part in a future episode or suggest a guest working at the intersection of justice and creativity.

The latest episode of the IN-CJ podcast, Just Psychology, brought together leading forensic psychologists to explore the role of psychology in the criminal justice system, examining its application in different jurisdictions and the challenges that come with shaping evidence-based practices. Hosted by John Scott, the discussion featured contributions from Julie Oliver, forensic director at the Georgia Department of Behavioural Health and Developmental Disabilities, Nic Bowes, forensic psychology practitioner and academic at Cardiff Metropolitan University, and Jo Clarke, founder of Petros and former forensic psychologist in the UK prison system.
The conversation opened with reflections on the different routes into forensic psychology and the variety of roles that psychologists play in legal and correctional settings. Across the United States and the United Kingdom, the pathway to qualification requires years of training, but the professional identity of forensic psychologists varies.
In the US, psychologists working in forensic settings often operate under a broader clinical framework, whereas in the UK, forensic psychology is a distinct discipline with structured training and accreditation processes. Despite these differences, all speakers agreed that forensic psychology remains a field that professionals often enter unexpectedly, drawn in by an interest in human behaviour and its intersection with the law.
A significant theme of the discussion was the role forensic psychologists play in legal proceedings and offender rehabilitation. Julie Oliver provided insight into her work assessing individuals for competency to stand trial and criminal responsibility, highlighting the challenges of evaluating mental state within the confines of legal definitions. The conversation also touched on the wider responsibilities of forensic psychologists, including the treatment of individuals found not guilty by reason of insanity and the complexities of preparing people for reintegration into society after periods of incarceration.
The comparison between forensic practice in the US and the UK led to an exploration of the wider justice systems in which psychologists operate. The speakers noted the impact of different legal frameworks, cultural attitudes towards crime and rehabilitation, and the availability of psychological services in prisons and community settings. While forensic psychology is well established in both countries, its integration into probation, youth justice, and preventative work remains inconsistent.
The discussion raised questions about how psychologists can contribute more effectively to early intervention strategies and the development of policies that support diversion from the criminal justice system, particularly for individuals with complex needs.
A particularly striking part of the conversation focused on the psychological wellbeing of those working in forensic settings. The panellists acknowledged the emotional demands of the job and the need for better institutional support for practitioners who regularly deal with trauma and distressing case material.
While some organisations provide access to wellbeing resources, there was consensus that a culture shift is needed to ensure that psychological safety is treated with the same priority as physical safety in workplaces. The discussion also touched on the need for greater diversity within forensic psychology, ensuring that the profession reflects the communities it serves and is accessible to those from different backgrounds.
As the conversation drew to a close, the speakers reflected on the broader role of forensic psychologists in shaping the justice system. From influencing legal decisions to supporting offenders in changing their behaviour, psychology has the potential to inform a more nuanced and effective approach to justice. There was also an emphasis on the importance of engaging with policymakers,

The probation sector plays a crucial role in community safety and rehabilitation. As probation practices and standards evolve worldwide, this webinar offers a rare opportunity to gain insights from global experts. Our speakers will share experiences from their respective countries, exploring how different jurisdictions approach the regulation and professionalism of probation services.
This webinar features the following distinguished speakers:

* Professor Ioan Durnescu (Bucharest University, Romania) – A leading academic voice on community sanctions and social reintegration.
* Scott Maurer (Chief of Staff, Georgia Department of Community Supervision, USA) – Sharing practical insights from one of the largest community sanctions systems in the United States.
* Marian O’Rourke (Director of Regulations and Standards, Northern Ireland Social Care Council) – Contributing strategic and operational experience of regulation.
* Arjen Alting | Manon de Nooijer (Regional Secretary | Criminologist, Reclassering Nederland) – Bringing the perspective of the Dutch probation system and its innovative approaches to practitioner regulation.

The session was chaired by Jana Spero, CEP Secretary General, and promises to be a dynamic discussion that will benefit all professionals working in or alongside probation services.

As technology continues to influence various aspects of our lives, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the criminal justice system has become a topic of significant interest and discussion.  webinar, chaired by Vivian Geiran, adjunct assistant professor at Trinity College Dublin, explored this important subject. Hosted by the International Network for Criminal Justice (INCJ), the event featured experts discussing the development of international standards for AI use in criminal justice, particularly within prison and probation systems.
Vivian Geiran opened the webinar by highlighting the importance of AI in the criminal justice system and the need for proper regulation to ensure its responsible use and rebuild public trust.
Pia Puolakka, a senior specialist and team leader in the Finnish Prison and Probation Service, was the main speaker. Pia, who has a background as a forensic psychologist and psychotherapist, discussed her involvement in developing AI applications for offender management. She shared insights from her work on the Council of Europe’s standards for AI in corrections, focusing on balancing innovation with ethical considerations.
Download Pia’s Slides: INCJ-webinar-AI-Slides-001-2024-06-05
Matt Rowland, former Chief Administrative Officer of the United States Court Service and now a consultant on IT projects, including AI in corrections, provided an American perspective. Matt talked about the current state of AI regulation in the U.S. and efforts to create a consistent regulatory framework.
Steven Van De Steene, an IT systems consultant with experience in digital strategies for corrections, offered a European viewpoint. Steven emphasised the importance of regulatory frameworks and the challenges different jurisdictions face in adopting AI technologies responsibly.
Development of International Standards
The webinar focused on the development of international standards for AI use in criminal justice. Pia discussed the progress made by the Council of Europe in creating the first legally binding treaty on AI. This treaty adopts a risk-based approach to AI design, development, and deployment, aiming to ensure AI applications respect human rights and are used ethically.
Pia then explained the ethical and organisational guidelines proposed for prison and probation services. The recommendations focus on maintaining human dignity, preventing biases, ensuring transparency, and preserving human oversight in AI applications. These principles emphasise that AI should assist, not replace, human decision-making in corrections.
The webinar then highlighted several practical applications of AI in corrections, such as natural language processing, facial recognition, predictive models for behaviour, and virtual reality for rehabilitation. These technologies offer benefits including improved risk assessment, enhanced security, and better offender management.
The panellists discussed the risks and challenges of integrating AI into criminal justice, including potential biases in AI systems, data protection and privacy issues, and the need for regular monitoring and evaluation of AI applications. Ensuring AI literacy among staff and offenders is also crucial to effectively use the technology.
Matt’s insights from the U.S. and Steven’s from a European perspective,

This episode of the IN-CJ podcast focuses on important justice issues, specifically discussing the topics of resilience and staff retention within the prison service.  Professor Jo Clarke, Gustav Tallving from EuroPris and Iva Prskalo from Croatia, share their perspectives and experiences. They discuss challenges faced by many staff members working in prisons across Europe, such as organised crime, overcrowding, violence, mental health disorders, recruitment difficulties, and the need for a holistic approach to staff well-being and retention. The conversation also explores the benefits of diverse recruitment strategies and the importance of supporting staff through various means to improve job satisfaction and retention. The conversation was facilitated by John Scott.
Jo Clarke from the UK, with extensive experience in the prison service and academia, focused on the impact of prison work on staff well-being. She stressed the importance of a holistic approach to staff well-being from recruitment to retirement. Jo critiqued the traditional approach of recruiting in the image of the existing workforce and highlighted the need to understand the values and motivations of younger generations (Gen Z). She emphasised recruiting the person to the role rather than fitting people into predefined roles.
Jo supported the idea of a unified state employment strategy to facilitate movement between different public sector roles, and mentioned the challenges of geographical constraints and the need for more flexible employment practices. She also highlighted the need for radical changes to make public service jobs more humane and compassionate, criticising political reluctance to implement necessary changes due to short-term electoral concerns. Clarke emphasised the importance of treating prison work as a privileged and valuable profession, despite its challenges.
Gustav Tallving of EuroPris highlighted several critical issues facing European prisons, including the increasing influence of organised crime, overcrowding, escalating violence among prisoners and against staff, and significant mental health disorders often linked with substance abuse. He emphasised the need for a holistic approach to these challenges, stressing the importance of leadership in addressing work satisfaction and retention. Gustav also suggested a unified employer strategy within the state to facilitate easier movement between different public sector jobs, aiming to enhance job satisfaction and retention.
Iva Prskalo from Croatia provided context on the Croatian prison and probation system, noting its small size and unique regional challenges. She discussed the historical attractiveness of prison jobs in Croatia due to better conditions and job security, but highlighted current difficulties in finding applicants, which raises concerns about the quality of recruitment. Iva emphasised the importance of positive public relations and presenting a realistic image of the prison system. She advocated for understanding and leveraging the strengths of younger generations, and suggested reconsidering age limits for recruitment to include older, experienced individuals. Additionally, Iva highlighted the potential benefits of job shadowing and the need for a more fluid and responsive system to maintain motivation and prevent attrition.

Digital transformation is gradually extending its reach into the criminal justice system. This development, and its implications for a humanely managed approach to criminal justice practices, is the focus of this episode of the “Just Psychology” series of podcasts, from the International Network on Criminal Justice. This episode featured a discussion between John Scott, the podcast’s chair, and two experienced psychologists: Pia Puolakka from Finland’s Prison and Probation Service, and Professor Joanna Clarke from the UK. Their conversation explored the use of digital tools in prisons and probation settings, examining both the benefits and challenges of this modern approach.
Pia Puolakka is a forensic psychologist and psychotherapist with the Finnish Prison and Probation Service since 2012. Her work includes managing Finland’s “smart prison” project, which integrates digital services into the daily lives of inmates. She leads a team focused on rehabilitative, digital, and security services.
Joanna Clarke has over three decades of experience in the UK’s prison system, focusing on the psychological wellbeing of prison staff and inmates. She began her career in the 1990s and has since moved from direct therapeutic work to academia and consultancy. Joanna founded Petros, a not-for-profit organisation that helps organisations create environments where people can thrive, particularly in high-stress sectors like criminal justice.
Pia Puolakka provided an overview of Finland’s approach to integrating digital tools within its prison system. Finland’s model emphasises the principle of normality, making prison conditions as like everyday life as possible. This includes offering digital services that inmates can use to access healthcare, educational resources, and social services. Such access aids rehabilitation and helps inmates maintain connections with the outside world, facilitating smoother reintegration after release.
One of Finland’s innovations is the implementation of “smart prisons.” These facilities provide each inmate with a personal cell device equipped with software for managing daily affairs and maintaining communication with external services. This supports the “import model,” bringing normal societal services into the prison environment, thus promoting equality and normality for inmates.
Jo Clarke highlighted the potential of digital tools in modernising rehabilitation efforts. She discussed the use of virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) in preparing inmates for life beyond prison. VR can simulate real-world scenarios, allowing prisoners to practice new skills in a controlled environment. This method helps inmates adjust their behaviour and reduces the anxiety associated with re-entering society.
Jo also noted the benefits of these technologies for staff. VR and AI can be used to train prison staff, providing them with realistic previews of challenging situations. This preparation enhances their resilience and overall wellbeing by equipping them with the skills needed to manage high-stress environments effectively.
Both speakers acknowledged the challenges of digitalising the criminal justice system. Pia pointed out the risk of reduced human interaction due to increased digital self-sufficiency among inmates. However, she suggested that this can be mitigated by using digital tools to complement, rather than replace, face-to-face interactions. This balanced approach ensures that the therapeutic relationship between staff and inmates remains intact.
Jo raised the issue of the psychological impact of digitalisation,

This discussion addresses the unique challenges faced by women in the criminal justice system. Moderated by Sherri Bloodworth the Operations Support Director with the Department of Community Supervision in Georgia. She was joined by Melanie Scarborough, Pamela Wiggins, Renace Nead, and April Ross, representing various Georgia state agencies, including the Georgia Department of Community Supervision, the Georgia Department of Corrections, and the Georgia Commission on Family Violence.
The panellists discussed the distinct challenges women face within the criminal justice system, highlighting the need for gender-responsive approaches. Many facilities, originally designed for men, fail to meet the specific needs of women, emphasizing the need for dedicated spaces that ensure privacy and proper hygiene. Effective re-entry programs were identified as crucial, focusing on family reunification, mental health, substance abuse treatment, and educational opportunities to help women transition back into society.
The discussion underscored the high rates of trauma, domestic violence, and substance abuse among incarcerated women, calling for trauma-informed care and education on healthy relationships to break cycles of violence. Various supportive initiatives were highlighted, such as hygiene cabinets and post-partum units, which provide essential support and maintain dignity for women in custody. Educational and vocational training, like welding certifications, were also discussed as important for improving employment prospects and self-sufficiency for women upon release.
Systemic changes were deemed necessary, including legislative support, adequate funding for gender-specific programs, and enhanced community partnerships to create a more effective support system. Looking to the future, the panellists discussed plans to expand programs, including introducing doula services for pregnant offenders and continuing to focus on trauma-informed care and peer support.

As part of the IN-CJ Newsdesk 2024 series, we are pleased to present a thoughtful discussion by Dr Jiri Mertl, a researcher and lecturer at Charles University in Prague and the University of Ostrava. Mertl’s work focuses on the role of peer support in the rehabilitation and recovery of women involved in the criminal justice system.
Jiri Mertl highlights the importance of peer support within the criminal justice system, particularly for women who have experienced incarceration. Based on his research with Czech NGOs, Mertl examines the unique challenges these women face, such as the prevalence of drug abuse as a coping mechanism for trauma and the impact of domestic violence.
Mertl’s research includes interviews with incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women in the Czech Republic, exploring their interactions with public institutions and NGOs. His findings underscore the need for gender-responsive and trauma-informed approaches to rehabilitation, acknowledging that many women’s pathways into criminality are linked to relational trauma and social inequalities.
Central to Mertl’s discussion is the concept of peer support. He explains that peer support, grounded in authenticity and the ethics of care, is a valuable tool for rehabilitation. By sharing lived experiences, peer support helps in mutual recovery, resilience building, and personal development. This approach benefits both the individuals receiving support and the peers providing it.
Mertl discusses several cultural and structural barriers to effective peer support in the Czech Republic, including insufficient funding, lack of legislative support, and the absence of formal peer support programs in prisons. He emphasizes the need for systemic changes to address these issues, advocating for better funding and legislative recognition to enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of peer support initiatives.
Looking ahead, Mertl calls for ongoing research and practical application of peer support in criminal justice. Addressing the current gaps and challenges could significantly improve rehabilitation outcomes for women in the criminal justice system. His discussion highlights the importance of supportive, inclusive approaches tailored to the needs of marginalized populations.
We invite you to listen to Jiri Mertl’s full discussion to explore his insights further. Contributions like Mertl’s are crucial in shaping more effective and compassionate criminal justice systems. Stay updated on future discussions and events by visiting the IN-CJ website and following us on Twitter.

In this discussion, Rachel Wood, a PhD researcher at the Open University, discusses her innovative project, “Inside Mum.” This presentation, part of the Newsdesk 2024 by the International Network for Criminal Justice (IN-CJ), explores the use of service and co-design in developing parenting education programmes for women who have experienced the criminal justice system. The conversation provides a comprehensive overview of Rachel’s research, its motivations, and its initial findings.
Rachel’s project aims to address the unique needs of incarcerated mothers, a group often overlooked in prison design and rehabilitation programmes. Drawing on a range of theoretical frameworks, including attachment theory and trauma-informed care, Rachel outlines the current gaps in knowledge and practice. She emphasises the importance of gender-responsive and trauma-informed approaches, recognising that many women in prison have histories of relational trauma that significantly impact their pathways into and out of offending.
The discussion highlights several key concerns:

* Designing for a Marginalised Group: With women constituting only 4% of the prison population, their specific needs, particularly as mothers, are frequently neglected. The project seeks to create effective, inclusive programmes that support the unique challenges faced by incarcerated mothers.
* Co-Design and Participatory Methods: Rachel emphasises the value of involving those with lived experience in the design of services, ensuring that the programmes developed are both effective and acceptable to the women they aim to support.
* Research Gaps and Future Directions: The initial scoping review reveals a significant lack of comprehensive research on service co-design for this population. Rachel identifies the need for further primary research and proposes a sequential mixed methods approach to fill these gaps.
* Impact on Policy and Practice: By highlighting the gaps and potential solutions, Rachel’s research aims to inform future policy and practice, promoting more equitable and effective support systems for women in the criminal justice system.

This engaging discussion not only sheds light on the challenges faced by incarcerated mothers but also underscores the importance of innovative, participatory research in creating supportive and rehabilitative environments. For more details on the “Inside Mum” project and to stay updated on its progress, visit the IN-CJ website or follow the network on Twitter.