Workshop on Alternatives to Detention and Technologies: Deep diving in new trends
Technology is becoming an increasingly important part of probation practice across Europe. Electronic monitoring, digital supervision tools, risk assessment technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) offer new opportunities to support service delivery, improve efficiency and strengthen alternatives to detention.
At the same time, the growing use of technology raises important practical and ethical considerations. While technological innovation can support probation work, it should complement professional judgement, human relationships and rehabilitative approaches rather than replace them.
Over the past three years, the CEP Expert Group on Technology has explored these developments by identifying challenges, sharing good practices and developing practical guidance for probation services. In 2026, the Group published the revised Practice Recommendations on Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies (soon available exclusively to CEP members), providing a framework for the responsible use of AI and emerging technologies in probation.
Objectives of the workshops are:
- to address alternatives to detention in relation to technologies, including new emerging trends and their relevance to the work of probation service;
- to examine current challenges and trends in the implementation of technologies, including AI within probation service;
- to share good practices and explore successful programmes, including online programmes and digital services provided by probation service;
- to introduce the Practice Recommendation regarding AI and Emerging Technologies developed by the Expert Group and their practical application;
- to coordinate and develop actionable strategies to support the effective development and implementation of new technologies in probation services.
 Target group
- Probation Practitioners / Case Managers doing client work on a daily basis, dealing with online services such as online supervision, mediation, etc.
- Senior Probation Officers / Team Leaders / Managers responsible for the implementation of technologies and methodology.
- Policy Advisors dealing with policies, methodologies and procedures
- Training Specialists in Probation
- IT officers
- Researchers
- Other key criminal justice professionals
Fees
- 25 EUR (CEP members)
- 50 EUR (non-members)
CEP Members can apply to a bursary scheme. More information can be found here.
Registration deadline is Tuesday, 10 November 2026
The workshop participation can be cancelled via email to secr@probation.org by Tuesday, 10 November at the latest.
The seats are limited; therefore, we encourage you to submit your application on time. Any applications received after we reach the maximum number of participants will be placed on a waiting list and considered if spots become available.
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