Previous Article
News
Portugal hosts 7th Conference on Electronic Monitoring
Portugal is proud to host the upcoming conference on electronic monitoring (EM) this year in Évora on May 5-7, 2011. Susana Pinto has been part of the preparatory group since 2009, when the CEP conference took place in Egmond aan Zee, The Netherlands. It is the first time that the conference has been held in a country other than The Netherlands. Susana Pinto explains how the conference furthers probation in Portugal: “We are not new in EM but we still experience difficulties convincing the judicial community that EM is an important tool in the probation service; more precisely as an alternative to imprisonment.” The high level of interest in the conference shows, however, that EM is a hot topic across Europe.
EM wins popularity
Interest for the CEP Electronic Monitoring 2011 Conference (EM 2011) is high because EM is increasingly being used in Europe and in other countries across the globe. Delegates from probation services, policy makers and manufacturers will attend the conference. “This year’s conference could be a big success because we are going to attract a new public. Not only the Mediterranean countries such as Spain, but also the Latin-American countries, such as Brazil and Colombia will be present. And that means sharing experiences with more people, which enriches everybody.”
Focus upon EM in probation
EM 2011 will especially focus on the use of EM in probation sentences and the benefits of EM will become more apparent. Working with EM in Portugal, Susana Pinto knows its advantages: “We must not forget that EM is technology but we also know, because we have the experience, that EM is undeniably at the centre of criminal policies and not only because of cost reductions but because EM is seen as an option which allows the offender to avoid being contaminated by the prison environment and losing family, social and work ties. Stigmatisation associated with prison is a huge hurdle to overcome in offender rehabilitation, therefore EM offers a good alternative.”
EM 2011 in Portugal
Both the preparatory group, and the participants at EM 2009 proposed the CEP conference would be held in another country. This change would extend its reach significantly. Susana Pinto emphasizes the advantages for Portugal: “Locating the conference in Portugal will help us achieve some of our goals for probation. The publicity that is generated around EM 2011 will make the topic better known among the Portuguese public, and Portuguese probation practice will become better known in the international community as well. And that give us some points!”
Related News
Keep up to date with the latest developments, stories, and updates on probation from across Europe and beyond. Find relevant news and insights shaping the field today.
New
Alternatives to pre-trial detention, Community Sanctions and Measures, Framework Decisions, Technology
Future of Criminal Justice: CEP’s Contribution to Key 2025 Dialogues
27/01/2026
Throughout 2025, CEP and its representatives actively participated in the online Technical meetings ahead of the HLF as well as the High Level Forum on Future of Criminal Justice taking place on 4-5 March 2025, 20-21 May 2025 and 1-2 October 2025 in Brussels, Belgium.
Recap
Alternatives to pre-trial detention
Recap: Webinar on Alternatives to Detention 2026
26/01/2026
On Thursday 22 January, CEP hosted the first webinar of 2025 on the topic of Alternatives to Detention. The session led by Ms. Marina Pajoni from the French Prison and Probation Service titled „Problem Solving Justice in Pracitce: The Meuse Probation Service´s Approach to Drug Addiction“ introduced an innovative programme developed by the Meuse Probation Service in close cooperation with the French Ministry of Justice.
New
Education and Training
CEP launches an interactive European map of probation education and training institution contacts
22/01/2026
The CEP is pleased to inform its members that a new dedicated section has been developed on the CEP website featuring an interactive map of Europe.
New
CEP Events
CEP activity calendar 2026
20/01/2026
As we begin the new year, we would like to thank all CEP members, partners, and participants for your continued engagement and valuable contributions. Your involvement plays an essential role in shaping CEP’s work and activities.
We are pleased to share the CEP calendar for 2026, which provides an overview of the events planned for the year ahead. We look forward to continuing our collaboration and welcoming you to upcoming CEP activities throughout the year.
Thank you for being part of the CEP community.
New
CEP members, Gender-based violence
Interventions Alliance’s Eden House Recognized as Outstanding
15/01/2026
CEP is delighted to share that Eden House, an Interventions Alliance residential service for women with high-risk or complex needs on probation, has been rated “Outstanding” overall by HM Inspectorate of Probation. In 2022, Eden House was honored with the CEP Public Protection Award. Our sincere congratulations to the team for this remarkable achievement.
New
Education and Training
The Judicial Training Dashboard
14/01/2026
The European Training Platform (ETP) is a search tool for justice professionals. You can find self-learning materials on a great variety of EU law practice areas and related topics, as well as links to training providers’ homepages and course catalogues.
Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!
- Keep up to date with important probation developments and insights.