How Much Normality Can We Enable? - A New Approach to IT Architecture in Prisons (PID058)

2.20pm – 2.55pm EDT, 23 April 2024 ‐ 35 mins

Room: Ballroom

Parallel Workshop Session

The digital landscape in corrections has been stagnant, with limited incarcerated persons (i.p.) access to dated technologies and visitors facing cumbersome processes. However, a paradigm shift is underway, recognizing the need for interconnected IT systems that serve not just staff and i.p. but also external stakeholders. The Zurich correctional system dives in this transition, aiming for a secure, adaptable IT infrastructure that allows for varying custody requirements and an evolving correctional system. The current infrastructure includes diverse applications such as video calls and educational tools, with a focus on expanding digital services. A pilot project has begun to equip cells with technology that provides i.p. with a range of digital resources. Future plans involve a platform that integrates various applications, leveraging different clients to create a responsive IT environment.

Moderator

Hubert Unger

Senior ICT Manager, Ministry of Justice, Austria

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Speakers

Annabelle Sersch

Senior ICT Project Manager, Directorate of Justice and Home Affairs (JI) of the Canton of Zurich, Switzerland

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Jodok Senften

Senior ICT Business Analyst, Directorate of Justice and Home Affairs (JI) of the Canton of Zurich, Switzerland

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Hubert Unger

Senior ICT Manager, Ministry of Justice, Austria

Hubert Unger started back in 1988 as an IT supervisor in a prison in Graz. In 1999, he became member in the development team for the Austrian “OMS” the “IVV”. In 2000, he became the head of the Austrian IT Administration and the IT support centre. From 2010 until 2015, he was also responsible for the Austrian Electronic Monitoring program. From 2014 until now, he is a member of the EuroPris ICT Expert group. In 2015, he moved as an ICT Expert in to the Austrian Ministry of Justice, responsible for coordination and managing ICT and research projects.

Annabelle Sersch

Senior ICT Project Manager, Directorate of Justice and Home Affairs (JI) of the Canton of Zurich, Switzerland

Annabelle Sersch is now Senior ICT Project Manager of Digital Solutions as part of the Directorate of Justice and Home Affairs (JI) of the Canton of Zurich in Switzerland, where she works exclusively for the Department of Corrections and Reintegration (JuWe). After studying business administration (BWL) at the University of St. Gallen (HSG) and working as a senior ethics analyst for an investment fund in Zurich, she decided to study theater acting at the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK). With this unusual mix, she moved to IT at the JI Directorate in 2019 and self-taught her knowledge in project management and IT needed for her tasks. Since her employment, she has specialized in the area of "Smart Prisons" and has already been able to successfully implement two projects in the two years of her employment.

As a project manager in the “Smart Prisons Zurich”-Team she puts all her efforts in the involvement and engagement of multiple stakeholders, so the project Vison can be realised. She is involved in international and Swiss forums to promote digitalization in the field of correctional services and reintegration. In addition continues to work freelance as an actress and speaker.

Jodok Senften

Senior ICT Business Analyst, Directorate of Justice and Home Affairs (JI) of the Canton of Zurich, Switzerland

Jodok Senften began his career in the IT world in 2010 with an apprenticeship as a ICT systems engineer. Through his diverse experience in various positions within IT, from system engineer in an international industrial company to cloud projects, from RPA developer to IT consulting, Jodok has gained a comprehensive overview of the IT landscape.

After completing his studies in the field of information science with a major in digital business management, he is currently deepening his knowledge with a CAS in digital architecture. Since 2022, Jodok has been part of the Digital Solutions team, which is part of the Directorate of Justice and Home Affairs of the Canton of Zurich. There he is dedicated to projects in the prison system and reintegration.
As Senior Business Analyst for the "Smart Prisons Zurich" project, Jodok plays a central role in the design of solutions and the optimisation of various processes. He acts as a link between technical experts and IT, utilising his in-depth understanding of technology and business processes to turn innovative approaches into reality.