Introduction
Meet a EuroPris expert – this was the motto of our new event. EuroPris organised a roundtable of experts, kindly hosted by the Finnish Prison and Probation Service in Helsinki, Finland on 17-18 October 2023.
In this meeting, the EuroPris expert group interacted with other ICT professionals from the prison field.
The agenda consisted of an expert-level exchange on the pressing issues and trends in digitalisation in European prisons. Discussions on current technological solutions followed. There was also a Question & Answer session with the EuroPris experts, sharing what it is like to be in a EuroPris expert group.
What does it mean to be a EuroPris expert? How can you get involved in EuroPris?
This event included a visit to Hämeenlinna Smart Prison where the Finnish Prison and Probation Service presented its concept in relation to the development of digital smart technology. The cell devices include software for communication and management within the prison and access to external rehabilitation services via web-based solutions or video calls. Smart Prison also includes the use of virtual reality in rehabilitation and artificial intelligence in relation to studies and prison work.
Participants
Professionals in the prison sector from EuroPris member countries, and researchers in the technology field were welcome to this event.
10 ICT professionals from Europe in the following areas:
- Prison professionals (EuroPris members only)
- Academics (official affiliation with an academic institution is required (university e-mail domain) as well as a short motivation letter)
The participation slots were given on a first come, first served basis.
Agenda
Monday 16 October
Arrival Day
Tuesday 17 October
9:00 – 12:00 Meet and interview the EuroPris experts, Q&A – session
12:00 – 14:00 Lunch and Transfer
14:00 – 17:00 Prison Visit
Wednesday 18 October
9:00 –12:00 Roundtable and reflection on digital development in European prisons, exchange of expert knowledge
13:00 End
Venue
Prison and Probation Service, Lintulahdenkatu 5, 00530 Helsinki, Finland
Prison Visit
Smart Prison Hämeenlinna, Pikku-Parolantie 7, 13100 Hämeenlinna, Finland
Hämeenlinna Smart Prison is a closed unit for 100 women prisoners. All the cells have personal cell device for the use of prison intranet, e-mail, video calls and restricted internet connection with various digital services for educational and rehabilitative purposes. Smart Prison is a digital learning environment for a life without crime. Women specific and digitalized prison concept is unique in Finland and even internationally exceptional. Prison visit will include a presentation about the Smart Prison concept and guided tour inside prison.
Report
Victoria Knight wrote a report on the ICT Workshop with her reflection. This reflection can be viewed here.
