A National Conference was held to discuss criminal justice policy as it relates to the sentencing, rehabilitation, imprisonment and reintegration of prisoners and ex-prisoners, and the impact of offending on victims.

The Conference, "Beyond Retribution - Advancing the Law and Order Debate," was held between the 12th and 14th May in Upper Hutt. It brought together people with a wide range of experience, interest and knowledge in criminal justice and prison policy, to:

• Discuss current criminal justice policy, and its effectiveness in reducing re-offending and preserving public safety;
• Explore alternatives to existing practices and policies, to identify “what works”, and to develop strategies that will more effectively reduce reoffending, reduce the prison population, and address the needs of victims and their families;
• Consider approaches which actively involve members of the public in the criminal justice and prison system.

The Minister of Corrections, the Hon Damien O'Connor, spoke at the Conference. Read Hon Damien O'Connors' speech: "Straight Thinking is not enough - it's time to think laterally".

The General Manager of Integration in the Department of Corrections, Phil McCarthy, spoke at the Conference.Read Phil Mcarthys' speech "Prisoner Reintegration - Looking Forward".

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