Autonomy, Detention and Smart Technology

The Research and Documentation Centre (WODC) and the Dutch Prison Services (DJI) of the Ministry of Justice and Security have a major interest in, and active research agenda on personal autonomy and self-reliance of offenders during and after detention. As part of a specific starting note of this agenda, Henk Aarts chairs a project that addresses the role of interactive technology in the reintegration process after imprisonment. The specific aims of the project are to examine the potential of existing smart technology (and in particular applications of mobile devices) for motivating and supporting offenders to acquire knowledge and skills that facilitate their return in society after detention.