Pre-trial detention and its replacement by broader use of alternatives have been, explicitly or implicitly, on CEP´s and EU agenda for several years and in many contexts. The Covid-19 Pandemic impacted the number of detainees for a short period of time, nevertheless, the overuse of pre-trial detention is a public policy concern capable of causing different dysfunctions of the criminal justice system which can, in turn, undermine the rule of law and lead to various breaches of human rights.
Webinar on Alternatives to Pre-trial detention
In general, there are 22% of detainees in Europe not serving their final sentence. CEP realizing the importance works with its members, partners and the EC to support the implementation of alternatives to pre-trial and further advocate for probation services to take on a more important role in ensuring that through the supervision, guidance and assistance, the individual rights of those concerned and the community safety considerations are properly balanced.
On Monday 25 September 2022 CEP organized a webinar on the topic of alternatives to pre-trial detention with presentations relating to the practice in Belgium delivered by Dr. Eric Maes and Dr. Alexia Jonckheere, an overview of the central tenets of the ECHR’s case law delivered by Dr. Kresimir Kamber and a normative appraisal of (non-custodial) alternatives to PTD under European law delivered by Mr. Adriano Martufi.
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.
Interventions Alliance has published a new evaluation of a Hub coordinated on behalf of police forces in the south of England, focused on tackling violence against women and children through a whole family approach. The Hub supports victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse and works across policing, health and social services.
New updates from the European Commission highlight key priorities for judicial training in Europe, alongside new tools supporting transparency and access to data.
Today, 25 November, marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls. It is a global reminder, recognised by UNESCO and the wider international community, of the urgent need to prevent violence, support those affected by it, and strengthen collective action. The day also opens the 16 Days of Activism, a worldwide campaign that calls for sustained engagement to end all forms of violence against women and girls.
From 18-20 November 2025, 15th Plenary Meeting of the Council for Penological Co-operation took part in Council of Europe, Strasbourg. CEP was represented by President Annie Devos, Vice-Presidents Danijela Mrhar Prelic (PC-CP member) and Daniel Danglades and Secretary General Jana Spero Kamenjarin.
The CEP Expert Group on Mental Health met on 19 November 2025 to continue its work on developing a European mental health training curriculum for probation officers. Since last year, the group has been working intensively and meticulously to produce a solid first version of the curriculum.
CEP has released the first cross-European study examining stress, burnout, and morale among probation staff. The report was produced by Professor Charlie Brooker, Professor Karen Tocque, Professor Ioan Durnescu and Liliana Lupsica, whose combined expertise in public health, criminology, and organisational analysis provides an important contribution to our understanding of well-being in probation work.
