Prison Research Network
Convenor – Professor David Best, Sheffield Hallam
Steering Group: Cormac Behan (University of Sheffield), Sacha Darke (University of Westminster), Bill Davies (Leeds Becket University), Laura Piacentini (University of Strathclyde), Serena Wright (Cambridge University).
Prison research has deep historical links with the development of British criminology. The dramatic and sustained growth of prison populations and the proliferation of penal regimes have fostered a corresponding growth within the BSC of prison research and critical engagement with penal affairs. The PRN offers a means for discussion, critical analysis and sharing perspectives or experience among diverse and dispersed BSC members.
Aims
- To provide a forum for prison researchers and other BSC members to share information and experience about prisons with a view to developing critical analysis and debate across research, policy and practice communities.
- To advance understandings and appreciation of the range of contemporary prison research in the four jurisdictions of the UK, the rest of Europe and the wider international environment.
- To foster opportunities for collaborative practice among prison researchers, criminologists, prisoners, prison staff and other ‘user groups’ in the penal and voluntary sector.
- To encourage networking between academics, researchers, practitioners and students interested in prison research and issues.
Forthcoming Events
Where possible, three Network meetings a year are planned, usually around a theme of interest to members of the network. Activities may include small conferences, seminars and symposia with invited speakers external to the group or provided by group members.
Future events are announced in the bi-monthly BSC bulletin.
Joining and staying in touch
The network has a small steering group and a convenor that plan and co-ordinate meetings and other activity on an annual basis. A mailing list will assist in communication between members and interested parties.
Click here for a flyer of a new book Convict Criminology by former network chair Dr Rod Earle.
Contact the Network
Professor David Best – D.Best@shu.ac.uk
Websites of interest
The Howard League for Penal Reform – http://www.howardleague.org/
Prison Reform Trust – http://www.prisonreformtrust.org.uk/