A Year of Achievement and Growth: 2024 in Review

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I am honored to reflect on 2024, an extraordinary year for the International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA). Our collective achievements reflect the dedication and commitment of our global community to advancing correctional practice worldwide. 
  
Strategic Development and Organizational Growth

Last year marked a significant milestone with the completion of our "Business Model Review," expertly led by Executive Director Natalie Boal. This comprehensive evaluation has not only provided important insights into our operational strengths but has also identified key areas for enhancement. Following this review, the Board implemented several strategic initiatives to strengthen our capacity and improve service delivery to our members. 
  
Landmark Events and Knowledge Exchange

Our conference program last year was particularly strong and content rich. Our Annual Conference in Singapore, held along the Yellow Ribbon Project's 20th anniversary celebration, exceeded all previous attendance records and reinforced our commitment to community engagement and successful offender reintegration. The discussions and presentations highlighted innovative approaches to rehabilitation and reintegration programs that are making a real difference in communities worldwide. 
  
The Technology in Corrections (TIC) conference in Türkiye, organized in collaboration with EuroPris, brought together 300 participants from 55 countries. This event showcased cutting-edge technological solutions and fostered meaningful discussions about the digital transformation of correctional services. The diversity of participants and the quality of presentations demonstrated the advantages of  modernizing corrections through technology. 

 

The "Advancing Corrections Journal" continues to maintain its position as a leading publication in our field. The special edition focusing on "Reforming Corrections through Technology" received widespread acclaim for its insightful analysis and practical applications. The successful relaunch of the “Beyond the Wall Magazine”, coinciding with ICPA's 25th Anniversary, provided enhanced content, including in-depth interviews with industry leaders and comprehensive coverage of emerging trends in corrections. 

 

Our webinar series addressed a wide range of crucial topics, from public health challenges to specialized officer training. The "Reaching Beyond Reducing Recidivism" Learning Academy series was particularly impactful, showcasing innovative approaches to creating employment opportunities for justice-involved individuals while addressing labor market needs. 
  
Global Partnerships and Collaboration

We significantly expanded our international partnerships last year. The new collaboration with the Supervision Around the World Project and strengthened ties with the Association of Caribbean Heads Correctional and Prisons Services (ACHCPS) opened new avenues for knowledge exchange and professional development. Our active participation in international forums, including the American Correctional Association's Conferences, the 6th World Congress on Probation and Parole in Hague, the 1st African Conference on Health in Detention in Kenya, the Second Regional Congress on Security, Intelligence, and Penitentiary Administration in Guatemala, the International Criminal Court’s Seminar on medical matters in detention, and the Asian and Pacific Conference of Correctional Administrators (APCCA) in Hong Kong, further solidified our global partnerships.

 

As we enter 2025, we are excited about the opportunities ahead. We are developing new initiatives to enhance member engagement, expanding our digital presence with a technology podcast series and improved website, and offering more opportunities for members to learn and connect virtually. Our commitment to evidence-based practices and innovation remains unwavering. Mark your calendars for our upcoming events in 2025, including the Women in Corrections Conference and the second Corrections Technology Conference in February!