On December 19th, 2023, the Portuguese Directorate-General of Reintegration and Prison Services hosted an Open Day for Innovation and European Cooperation at the Lisbon Prison. At this co-organised event, IPS_Innovative Prison Systems showcased the results achieved in transnational joint initiatives that pioneered positive change and advancements in the realm of rehabilitation, staff training, and security.
In attendance were the Director-General of Reintegration and Prison Services, Prof. Rui Abrunhosa Gonçalves, and the Head of the Programmes and Projects Department, Dr. Jorge Monteiro, both of whom participated in the opening session along with representatives from the co-organising entities: Pedro das Neves, CEO of IPS_Innovative Prison Systems, and Tiago Leitão, President of Aproximar.
The day was filled with insightful presentations, and a gallery exploring the results of projects dedicated to innovation in empowering justice systems to achieve improved outcomes across various levels.
One of these ground-breaking solutions, developed with the cooperation and R&D endorsement of DGRSP, is IPS’ new HORUS 360º iOMS – Intelligent Offender Management System. This cutting-edge software represents a significant leap forward in the modernisation of correctional systems, offering a comprehensive, evidence-based approach.
IPS_Innovative Prison Systems highlighted several other initiatives with details presentations, such as PO21 (creating the European Prison Officer profile for the 21st Century), TRIANGLE (a secured digital education system for vocational skills for youngsters in closed institutions), and BriSaR (supporting prison and probation staff to work effectively with offenders convicted of road crimes).
The event also featured live demonstrations of more IPS-partnered initiatives, including VR-enhanced training programmes, such as TRAIVR and VISION. Through immersive experiences, these showcases illustrated the practical applications of this innovative technology in correctional facilities.
The project gallery included other projects brought by IPS, including DIGICOR, providing training to prison staff to enhance their digital skills, and successfully harness technology towards inmate rehabilitation; LEADCOR, which strived to reduce stress in prison facilities through leadership skills training; BLEEP, delivering a Europe-focused, blended learning platform for all prisoners and ex-prisoners; and MENACE, which provided training courses for staff aiming to improve the quality of mental health and palliative care in prisons.
This event also featured innovative projects brought by Aproximar, IPS’ partner in numerous initiatives breaking barriers and creating opportunities for positive change.
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