Training new prison officers in restorative practices: The Irish experience

Restorative practices are a set of values and skills that professionals can use in their interactions with the people they serve. These practices can be applied in various settings, including criminal justice agencies like prisons. This article focuses on the integration of restorative practices into the training of Recruit Prison Officers (RPOs) in the Republic of Ireland. The training program, called the Higher Certificate in Custodial Care (HCCC), includes modules on restorative practices delivered by the Irish Prison Service College (IPSC) and South East Technological University (SETU). The article explores the content and delivery of the restorative practices training and discusses its implications for prison cultures and services. The training aims to orient RPOs towards building positive relationships, ensuring fairness, and addressing harm and conflict constructively. The article also discusses the implementation of restorative practices in other countries, such as England, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland, and highlights the importance of collaboration between universities and prison officer training providers. The integration of restorative practices into RPO training in Ireland has the potential to positively impact prison cultures and services.