23rd June 2015
The Irish Prison Service College and Dublin Institute of Technology School of Languages, Law and Social Sciences are delighted to host a half-day conference on 23 June 2015 on prison staff research, supported by the Irish Research Council.
Register here.
The role of the modern prison officer is undoubtedly one of considerable significance within prisons and across prison systems. While officers occupy important roles in the context of the implementation of policy and the legitimacy of the prison, a paucity of robust prison officer research has persisted for many years. Described as the ‘invisible ghosts of penality’, prison officers and their culture have not been subjected to the same rigours of empirical analysis as the institution of the prison and the prisoners who reside within it. Recent years have seen academic interest in prison staff flourish, and a burgeoning body of research has begun to emerge internationally. A number of early career researchers, both in Ireland and abroad, are currently engaged in exploring diverse aspects of the working lives and cultures of prison staff. This conference aims to promote and explore these recent advancements in understandings of prison staff.
This event will bring together prison and associated staff, policymakers, academics, those who work with prison staff and prisoners, and all those interested in prison work and prison life to discuss developments in this area and build networks for future collaboration. Taking place at the Irish Prison Service College, Portlaoise, this event will promote public debate on current scholarship on prison staff. Discussion will be guided by presentations from researchers across a range of disciplines and jurisdictions.
Confirmed speakers and chairpersons include:
A full programme will be published shortly.
Attendance is free, but places are limited. Registration will be from 9.00 am – 9.30 am. The conference will conclude with lunch for all delegates at 1.00 pm.
Register here.
This conference is funded by the Irish Research Council and the Irish Prison Service.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.