Word from the Chair

Promoting good practices and standards in the execution of Prison and Probation sentences

Jorge Monteiro (Portugal), PC-CP Chair

The Council for Penological Co-operation (PC-CP) is a Committee of experts of the Council of Europe, operating under the supervision of the European Committee on Crime Problems (CDPC). Its work focuses on the development of European standards, reference documents and recommendations in the field of the execution of penal sanctions and measures.

The PC-CP supports Council of Europe member States in strengthening and improving prison and probation systems, promoting policies and practices grounded in scientific evidence and empirical knowledge, particularly in the areas of rehabilitation, treatment and social reintegration within both criminal and juvenile justice systems.

The PC-CP promotes penal policies and practices that fully respect human rights, support second chances, ensure fairness and proportionality, and recognize the essential role and professionalism of prison and probation staff.

Its work is guided by the principles of human dignity, belief in behavioral change, and equality of opportunities, irrespective of individuals’ background or personal circumstances.

The PC-CP develops legal instruments through a participatory and expert-driven process involving representatives of all Council of Europe member States and a Working Group composed of 9 internationally recognized experts in the field of prison and probation. It also benefits from the active contribution of organisations with observer status, drawing on their expertise, operational knowledge and international experience, which constitute a significant added value to the quality, relevance and practical applicability of its work. The observers to the PC-CP are the Confederation of European Probation (CEP), the International Centre for Prison Studies, Penal Reform International (PRI), EuroPris, the International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA), and the European Forum for Restorative Justice (EFRJ).

The PC-CP meets regularly and organizes the annual Conference of Directors of Prison and Probation Services, fostering cooperation, dialogue and the exchange of good practices across Europe. It is also responsible for the Council of Europe Annual Penal Statistics SPACE I and SPACE II.

PC-CP Working Group Members and Secretariat: