About ICPA: For the Advancement of Professional Corrections
Who are we?
The International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA) is the leading global, member-based organisation dedicated to advancing professional correctional practice worldwide. Established in 1998, ICPA exists to foster safer, more humane, and effective correctional systems through the exchange of knowledge, the promotion of innovation, and the cultivation of international networks among professionals working in the field of corrections.
ICPA is governed by an international Board of Directors and supported by an Executive Director and a dedicated Executive Team, who oversee the delivery of our strategic goals and day-to-day operations. You can learn more about a focus through our Strategic Plan and current Business Plan. We are proud to be recognised as a non-governmental organisation in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). ICPA also holds a signed Memorandum of Understanding with the United Nations through the Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), reinforcing our shared commitment to advancing humane and effective corrections within the broader international framework of justice and human rights. ICPA is committed to supporting our members and all corrections-involved agencies and organisations to operate in accordance with key international guiding documents.
ICPA Political Statement
The International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA) is a global member-based association supporting the improvement of correctional and prison practice. ICPA exists to promote and share ethical and effective correctional practices to enhance public safety and healthier communities worldwide. In the broader correctional ecosystem, ICPA exists as a strictly apolitical Association with a focus to promote evidence-based practice, collaboration, and advancing of ethical and effective correctional practices worldwide. By committing to an apolitical stance, ICPA supports global engagement and participation from all correctional leaders. ICPA believes that this is vital to advancing the Association’s mission of improving correctional practice. By connecting, sharing knowledge, and learning from better practices, we can collectively promote and enhance the delivery of humane correctional practices worldwide.
Mission
Vision
Values
- Integrity and Professionalism: We act with honesty, transparency, and professionalism in all our work.
- Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: We value the exchange of ideas, experience, and expertise, and we believe that the global corrections community works best in partnership to achieve shared goals.
- Belief in Rehabilitation: We believe in the capacity of individuals to change and are committed to supporting their reintegration to community.
- Respect for Human Dignity and Rights: We uphold the inherent dignity of every person and are dedicated to protecting and promoting their rights.
- Appropriate Use of Imprisonment: We promote effective community-based corrections and advocate for imprisonment only as a last resort.