The Capacity and Capability of Digital Innovation in Prisons: Towards Smart Prisons

Date

2017

Advisors

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

ISSN

DOI

Volume Title

Publisher

Advancing Corrections

Type

Article

Peer reviewed

Yes

Abstract

This article explores the process of innovation in the context of prisons and more specifically the use and availability of digital technologies. Digital technologies attract the innovation label meaning they are heralded as a new frontier. This is especially resonant in the landscape of prisons, as traditionally and typically prisons are sites of deprivation, control and surveillance. We reflect on the capacity and capability of prison services to transform these organisations using digital technology. We also question why digital technologies are viewed as innovative given that they are embedded and accepted features of everyday life. Everyday life has moved from being online to onlife (Hildebrant 2015). Typically, our prisons are not yet digitized spaces especially in stark contrast to the outside community. We reflect on the concept of ‘smart’ technologies and dedicated spaces and networks commonly termed as Smart Cities. We speculate about the value of this phenemona in the context of the prison.

Description

Keywords

digital, prison, smart, technology, prisoners

Citation

Knight,V. and van de Steene, S. (2017) The Capacity and Capability of Digital Innovation in Prisons: Towards Smart Prisons. Advancing Corrections, 4, pp. 88-101

Rights

Research Institute