This workshop emerges out of a collaboration initiated in 2020 that has focused on writing and editing a new edited collection Prison Officers: International Perspectives on Prison Officer Work. Providing an expansive exposition of the everchanging realities of prison officer work, the book provides an international overview of the prison officer role through accessible scholarly interpretations of their work, but is of course limited in scope. Nevertheless, the collection starts to advance knowledge and understanding of the crucial role prison officers undertake within carceral systems.
The question then emerges where does research and knowledge exchange activities go next?
This workshop will respond to this question by providing an opportunity for researchers, prison practitioners and policy makers to work together to consider what comes next in terms of both research relating to prison officers, as well as how research can be translated into improvements in policy and practice including prison officer training and recruitment. , and support The workshop is not will not a formal conference as much as an opportunity for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers with an interest in prison officers and their work, to firstly discuss and shape the future of research in this area. Each day of the workshop will include participants presenting their pre-circulated work, followed by a dedicated discussion to their ideas and findings. Day one will focus on unpacking the CO role, position, job, experience, and theoretical contributions. Secondly, to focus on the ways that research into the prison officer role can be translated into meaningful and tangible changes to prison officer development and practice.
The outcome of the workshop will be a published collection, either in a special issue of a journal or as an edited collection.
Dates – 8th and 9th July 2024
Location – Edinburgh Napier University, Scotland
Hybrid options will be offered where possible.
