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The Confederation of European Probation (CEP) has opened its 14th Electronic Monitoring Conference in Antalya, Turkey, with 400 participants from 32 countries. The three-day event, which ends on October 8, brings together specialists, practitioners, academics and technology representatives to examine perceptions and realities of electronic monitoring.

CEP President Annie Devos said electronic monitoring should be integrated into justice systems within a clear policy framework and governed by rules ensuring proper use. Turkey's Director General of Prisons and Detention Houses, Çelebi Yılmaz, said changing crime patterns required correctional systems to go beyond enforcing judgments. He highlighted risk assessment, effective supervision and rehabilitation, saying artificial intelligence, biometrics and remote monitoring could support more responsive probation services.

Yılmaz said a biometric signature system expected to be introduced soon would expand electronic monitoring capacity. He stressed that technology should match individual needs and be used proportionately, with human dignity, the rule of law and public safety remaining central principles. Sessions and workshops will cover victim safety, ethics, digital transformation, biometric technologies and electronic monitoring's role in preventing violent extremism. The program also aims to share Turkey's experience and examine practices from other countries.

Key Takeaways

• The three-day conference brings 400 participants from 32 countries to Antalya.
• Speakers emphasized clear rules, proportionate technology use and rehabilitation.
• Turkey plans to introduce a biometric signature system to expand monitoring capacity.