Probation Perspectives: Insights into Community Justice is a podcast exploring the world of probation, rehabilitation, and community justice. Hosted by Megan Thomas and Ceri Halfpenny from the University of Portsmouth, this series delves into key issues affecting probation practice, featuring expert insights, research, and real-world experiences.

In this episode, we are joined by Emeritus Professor Mike Nellis, Professor of Criminal and Community Justice at the University of Strathclyde, and Louis Allgood from the AI in Justice team within government. Together, they explore the evolving role of technology in probation, with a particular focus on electronic monitoring and the growing use of artificial intelligence in justice systems. The conversation traces the historical development of electronic monitoring, considers the promises and risks associated with AI‑driven tools, and reflects on the ethical, practical, and professional implications for probation practice. Mike and Louis discuss issues of surveillance, power, accountability, and decision‑making, offering critical perspectives on how technology intersects with values such as rehabilitation, fairness, and human judgement.

This is a timely and thought‑provoking episode for PQiPs, probation practitioners, and anyone interested in how digital technologies are reshaping community justice—and what it means to practice ethically in an increasingly technologised probation landscape.

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction

00:51 – Technology’s Role in Probation

04:02 – Electronic Monitoring Explained

07:54 – Artificial Intelligence in Probation

09:58 – The Human Element

12:54 – Ethical Concerns and Risks

29:21 – Challenges of AI and Monitoring

47:28 – Envisaging the Future of Probation Technology

Show notes and readings:

We’d like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made Probation Perspectives: Insights into Community Justice possible.

• Freddie Hunt – Podcast producer

• Jill Dealey – Podcast development and content support

• Lauren Meredith – Logo and jingle development

• Jenn Grant & Michelle McDermott – Management and support

• All of our guests for sharing their expertise and experiences

  
  

Here are the details of the resources and readings that were referred to within the episode:

Alegre (2024) Human rights, robot wrongs: Being human in the age of AI

Nellis, M. (2022). From electronic monitoring to artificial intelligence: technopopulism and the future of probation services. In Reimagining Probation Practice (pp. 207-224). Routledge.

AI Action plan for Justice: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ai-action-plan-for-justice/ai-action-plan-for-justice 

Justice AI Unit website: https://ai.justice.gov.uk/