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.
Recap
Electronic monitoring, Technology
14th Electronic Monitoring Conference, Electronic Monitoring in a Changing World – Perception vs Reality
08/10/2026
On 6-8 October 2026, Antalya hosted the 14th Electronic Monitoring Conference “Electronic Monitoring in a Changing World – Perception vs Reality”. More than 350 participants coming from 30 countries across Europe and worldwide representing probation services, Ministries of Justice, victims´ services, EM providers, researchers as well as local participants representing the Turkish Prison and Probation Service gathered to discuss how electronic monitoring (EM) is understood by all stakeholders involved including the victims and the public, and how these perceptions compare to the evidence and experiences of those affected. While the gap between perception and reality in electronic monitoring has been recognised for over a decade, the rapid expansion of EM into areas such as victim protection, high-risk supervision and digital innovation has brought new challenges and questions to the forefront.
Recap
ITSCCS
Core Correctional Skills in Digital Probation: highlights from the 6th ITSCCS in Barcelona
05/10/2026
The sixth International Training School on Core Correctional Skills (ITSCCS) took place in Barcelona from 28 September to 2 October 2026, bringing together 26 participants for a week of learning, practical training and international exchange. Organised by the Confederation of European Probation (CEP) and the Centre for Legal Studies and Specialised Training (CEJFE), the programme focused on “Clicks and Empathy: Core Correctional Skills in Digital Probation.”
Recap
Framework Decisions
Recap: ERA workshop on Framework Decisions 829 and 947 in Bucharest
02/10/2026
CEP Vice-President Daniel Danglades, Ambassador Gerry McNally and Policy Officer Mirka Jakesova participated in the Seminar on Framework Decisions 829 and 947 and their Impact on Alternatives in the EU organized under the EU project run by the Academy of European Law on 28-29 September in Bucharest, Romania. The seminar brought together judges, prosecutors, probation practitioners, academics, and policy experts to discuss the growing role of alternatives to detention within European criminal justice systems.
New
CEP
CEP and Catalan justice leaders reaffirm longstanding cooperation
29/09/2026
Representatives of the Confederation of European Probation (CEP) met with senior officials from the Catalan Department of Justice and Democratic Quality in Barcelona on 28 September 2026, alongside the opening of the sixth International Training School on Core Correctional Skills. The meeting offered an opportunity to recognise a longstanding partnership and discuss its continued development.
Updated
Mental Health
DEADLINE EXTENDED: Call for Pilot Implementation of the European Mental Health Training Curriculum
29/09/2026
Good news for CEP members! Following requests from our members, CEP has extended the deadline to apply for the pilot implementation of the European Mental Health Training Curriculum for Probation Officers.
Recap
ITSCCS, Technology
6th International Training School opens in Barcelona with a focus on digital probation
28/09/2026
How can probation professionals use new technologies in their interactions while building trust, showing empathy and supporting change? This question is at the heart of the sixth International Training School on Core Correctional Skills, which opened in Barcelona on 28 September 2026.
Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!
- Keep up to date with important probation developments and insights.