Behind Bars Conference 2018
Over 100 first year psychology students attended the annual Behind Bars Conference in Fleet entitled ‘Are prisons a place for retribution, rehabilitation or punishment?’ They heard from a number of ex-convicts, who told them about their criminal backgrounds and experience of prison life.
The students were captivated and, at times, moved to tears as they listened to the life histories of the speakers including, a serial burglar, a businessman who committed fraud and a murderer. They were given the opportunity to ask probing questions and any initial misconceptions they had about life behind bars were quickly challenged.
Lorraine Acton, subject tutor for psychology said, “This is always a fantastic conference, every year students come out with lots to think about. It is a great opportunity to broaden their knowledge of criminal psychology and the criminal justice system and is an experience that will stick in their minds for many years to come.”
