Harnessing Technology for Desistance: Facilitating Successful Reintegration

ICPA2024 Presentation by Patricia O’Hagan (ICPA2024-PID131)

This presentation explores innovative strategies using technology to empower justice-involved individuals for successful reintegration into society. By aligning with desistance theory, technology aids individuals in moving away from criminal behaviour towards positive futures.

Technology serves as a crucial tool, capturing interactions and experiences over time to provide tangible evidence of progress. Digital platforms enable individuals to track their journey, reflect on achievements, and cultivate a positive self-image.

Digital communication tools facilitate connections with the outside world, strengthening social bonds crucial for desistance. Secure internet access offers opportunities for accessing essential services, exploring job opportunities, and acquiring skills for reintegration.

Cultural sensitivity and accessibility are prioritized in technology-based interventions to ensure relevance and effectiveness. Tailored digital resources and training accommodate diverse needs, fostering inclusivity.

Collaborative efforts among justice agencies, community organizations, and technology developers ensure responsive interventions. Upholding data privacy and security maintains trust in technology-enabled services.

Continuous evaluation and improvement optimize the impact and sustainability of digital interventions. Attendees will gain insight into the transformative impact of technology in supporting desistance and fostering inclusive reintegration. Embracing technology as a tool for positive change creates more equitable, accessible, and supportive environments for justice-involved individuals to build brighter futures.

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Author

Patricia O'Hagan

Independent Consultant, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

Patricia O’Hagan is the Co-founder of Core Systems, a software company that is a world leader in prisoner self-service technology with over 250,000 users, in Correctional agencies across three continents. Core Systems technology solutions provide people in the justice system with meaningful opportunities that can change behaviours and empower people to transform into contributing members of society. The company is deeply passionate about driving this positive change and its mission is to transform lives together.

Patricia is a design engineer with over 20 years of experience in software product design. She has worked with a wide range of Prison and Correctional Services Agencies around the world. Patricia is an international speaker on Corrections Technology and has been invited to present at industry forums including the ACA Congress of Corrections (American Correctional Association) the Inter Prison Service Security Group (Her Majesty’s Prison Service, UK) and APPA (American Probation and Parole Association).

Patricia has authored numerous publications in the Corrections, Technology and Biometric fields. Patricia served on the Skills for Security Consultation Group for Biometrics and Human Identity contributing to the development of national occupational standards for the industry. Patricia is currently an active member of the APPA technology committee.

From 2011 – 2017 Patricia served on the Economic Advisory Group (EAG), providing independent advice to the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in Northern Ireland and she is currently a member of Matrix, the industry panel informing government, industry and academia on the commercial exploitation of R&D and science and technology. Patricia was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s 2013 Royal New Year Honours list for services to the Northern Ireland Economy. In 2022 Patricia was awarded Outstanding Woman in Tech by Women in Tech Northern Ireland.

Harnessing Technology for Desistance: Facilitating Successful Reintegration

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