ICPA's Corrections Intelligence Network: Building Global Bridges in Correctional Security

In an era where correctional systems face evolving security challenges, the International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA) has established a vital new resource for intelligence professionals. The Corrections Intelligence Network creates the first truly global platform for corrections intelligence practitioners to share knowledge, align methodologies, and collectively raise operational standards.

 

Speaking exclusively about the initiative, Network Chair Helen Glazebrook brings over three decades of expertise spanning corrections, law enforcement, and national security. Her journey into corrections intelligence began unexpectedly 30 years ago when a university connection led to her first role at Borallon Correctional Centre in Queensland, Australia.

 

"Queensland was quite progressive in embedding intelligence programs within its correctional facilities with an overarching centralised administration," Glazebrook explains. "Since then, this capability has expanded across most jurisdictions, though enhanced consistency in operational standards is still recognised as a need."

 

 

Glazebrook highlights what makes corrections intelligence distinct from other security domains: "One of the defining differences is the sheer volume and immediacy of information available to practitioners on the ground," she notes. While other sectors rely heavily on sophisticated IT systems, corrections blend technological inputs with direct human interaction intelligence.

 

This environment creates both opportunities and challenges. "In corrections, the challenge isn't just acquiring information—it's knowing how to handle it responsibly," Glazebrook says, emphasising the need to balance ground-level intelligence against governance standards and ethical considerations.

 

The operational tempo also differentiates corrections intelligence. "The corrections sector is fast-paced with changing priorities that require timely and actionable intelligence," unlike other security environments that often have more time for planning.

 

 

Glazebrook's Winston Churchill Fellowship research identified several approaches ready for international standardisation. Jurisdictions with established joint taskforce capabilities demonstrated exceptional collaboration through routine sharing of intelligence across analytical, technical, and financial domains.

 

"The success of these models relies heavily on executive-level resource commitment and sustained inter-agency agreements," she observes, noting these relationships require "deliberate nurturing and ongoing review."

 

Technological innovation presents another opportunity area. "These advancements present an exciting opportunity for the Corrections Intelligence Network Group to facilitate peer learning, share implementation strategies, and collectively raise the bar for operational corrections intelligence worldwide."

 

 

The network addresses a fundamental shortcoming in the field. "Unlike their policing counterparts, there remains no unified doctrine or shared set of values guiding how intelligence is collected, analysed, and exchanged," Glazebrook explains. While the UNODC's Dynamic Security and Intelligence Handbook provides a foundation, consistent updates are needed to address technological shifts and emerging threats.

 

By creating a truly inclusive platform, the network aims to bridge existing regional intelligence communities. "There are established professional correctional intelligence networks in Europe and Central Asia, as well as across Five Eyes countries. However, we haven't yet united these efforts into a truly inclusive platform," says Glazebrook.

 

The network particularly targets improved intelligence sharing between corrections and law enforcement agencies. "In Australia, there is a good level of cooperation between law enforcement and corrections," Glazebrook notes, though this cooperation varies internationally. She believes "the power of collaborative messaging internationally from this network group may in time change this thinking across law enforcement and national security sectors."

 

 

A core function of the network will be addressing the delicate balance between security imperatives and human rights considerations. Glazebrook sees corrections as "at the forefront of addressing these complex concerns across the justice sector" and envisions the network contributing by "developing doctrines and governance around the collection and sharing of intelligence within the correctional context."

 

She emphasises the importance of "ensuring necessity and proportionality, and ensuring intelligence programs are also subject to independent oversight to ensure compliance with human rights standards."

 

 

Looking ahead, Glazebrook identifies data management as a critical challenge and opportunity. "Data collection is growing exponentially, and intelligence units must evolve to handle this possible saturation of data," she observes.

 

While technology will transform the field, Glazebrook maintains that human analysis remains irreplaceable: "We cannot depend on machine learning alone to understand risk. Accelerating analysis without proper scrutiny may compromise outcomes."

 

For intelligence professionals considering membership, the network promises concrete benefits. Beyond collaboration, Glazebrook and her co-chairs envision producing "targeted, outcome-driven assessments—such as evaluating technological threats or identifying emerging risks." These resources will equip members to anticipate changes in the threat landscape and strengthen their intelligence capabilities.

 

The ICPA Corrections Intelligence Network represents a significant step forward for the corrections intelligence community. Through structured knowledge sharing, professional development, and collaborative problem-solving, it offers members the opportunity to join a global community of practice at the forefront of corrections security.