The GEO Group participated in the International Corrections and Prisons Association’s (ICPA) Annual Conference in Antwerp, Belgium in October 2023. The theme of the conference was “Humane Corrections – What More Can We Do?” Presenters from the public and private sector shared best practices in improving the quality of life of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals.
An estimated 900 attendees from 79 nations participated in the conference. The conference covered a wide range of topics under the banner of humane corrections, including new trends and innovations, the use of technology, community-based corrections, mental health and healthcare, cohort-specific corrections, education, and vocational training. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in plenary sessions, workshops, discussions, and networking events, as well as to visit correctional facilities and learn about the Belgian Prison Service's best practices. The GEO Group was the only representative from the private sector at the invitation-only Head of Service meeting.
Throughout the conference, attendees discussed common issues such as labor shortages, aging facilities, aging populations, and outdated or lack of current technologies. A solution to a significant challenge that was discussed at the Technology Network Group was getting earlier private sector involvement in RFP/bid writing. Representatives from the private sector expressed that a common occurrence on RFPs/tenders was that they are facing requirements that contain outdated or obsolete specifications.
