The modern correctional institution is characterised by the extensive use of information and communication technology (ICT) (e.g. computers, close-circuit television cameras, electronic monitoring systems) and human sciences technology (HST) (e.g. psychometric tests, therapy and educational programmes) to monitor, discipline and rehabilitate sentenced offenders inside and outside of institutions and to prevent their recidivism. As a result of this combination of ICT and HST, modern correctional institutions have been transformed into socio-technical environments with serious implications for the relationships between those within and outside of the institution. The use of ICT for continuous monitoring of the prison and its population has resulted in a situation where correctional officials, like prisoners, have become legitimate data subjects. In addition to the privacy dilemma that resulted from this, continuous monitoring has also affected the relationship between the state and those under surveillance (inmate, parolee, family of parolees and correctional officials).

The utilisation of sophisticated technology by organisations to achieve certain key objectives does not necessarily automatically bring about the desired results. Pistorius (1996) is of the opinion that only organisations that are true learning organisations will benefit from the use of such technology.

This study aims to integrate all of these perspectives in order to determine the impact of technology on a single South African correctional institution.

Back to top