Welcome to ICCCR

The International Centre for Comparative Criminological Research (ICCCR) is based in the Faculty of Social Sciences at the Open University. It was established in December 2003. In 2010 it was formally partnered with the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies.

ICCCR is a unique multi disciplinary and cross faculty initiative drawing on expertise from Social Sciences (social policy & criminology, psychology and sociology) and Health and Social Care (youth justice); and from the affiliated International Centre for the History of crime, policing and justice, based in the Faculty of Arts; and the affiliated Higher and Distance Education in Prison research interest group, based in the Institute of Educational Technology.

The ICCCR unites contemporary practice-based research and critical policy analysis in crime, policing and criminal justice with an awareness of historical, psychological and social contexts.

ICCCR has developed three substantive (but inter-related) areas of expertise:

• policing
• justice, rights and regulation
• prisons/penology

Coherence between these subject areas is maintained through a shared interest in comparative methodologies (historical and/or cross-cultural) and in a concern for processes of governance and regulation. Its research is aimed at academic, policy and practitioner audiences, and is disseminated via regular conferences, seminars and publications.

On these web pages you will find details about the Centre, about the interests and publications of its members and about upcoming conferences and seminars. Should you require more information, however, please do contact us.

Upcoming events

Resisting the Eclipse
An International Symposium on Prison Ethnography

18-19 September 2012
The Open University, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom

Are reports of the demise of prison ethnography exaggerated? Find out at this international gathering of prison researchers. Speakers, panels and workshops will explore what prison ethnography has got to offer in an era of mass incarceration.

Further event information

News

Higher and Distance Education in Prison group affiliated to ICCCR

August 2011

The Higher and Distance Education in Prison (HDEP) research interest group within the Computers and Learning Research Group (CaLRG) was established in March 2001 and aims to provide a platform for researchers in the cross-disciplinary field of higher and distance education in a secure environment. The group is based in the Institute of Educational Technology at The Open University and is affiliated to the International Centre for Comparative Criminology Research (ICCCR).

Last updated: 14 May 2012