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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Patricia O’Hagan MBE
Independent Consultant, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Patricia O’Hagan is an entrepreneur and corrections technologist with over 20 years’ experience designing software products for the corrections industry. She has worked with a wide range of Prison and Correctional Services Agencies around the world helping them implement digital transformation initiatives. Patricia is co-founder and former CEO of Core Systems, a software company that is a world leader in prisoner self-service technology. Through Core Systems, Patricia drove innovation that put technology in the hands of people in prison, providing them with meaningful opportunities to prepare for re-entry into an increasingly digital world.
Patricia has authored numerous publications in the Corrections, Technology and Biometric fields. She served on the Skills for Security Consultation Group for Biometrics and Human Identity contributing to the development of the UK national occupational standards for the industry. Patricia is currently an active member of the APPA Technology Committee and the International Relations 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 foresight panel informing government strategy on the commercial exploitation of R&D, 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 Technology by Women in Tech.
