Understanding the access to and use of digital technology by people in the criminal legal system: empirical findings from Wales.

Abstract

Background: There is growing recognition of digital technology's role in supporting desistance and improving the well-being and social inclusion of people in the criminal legal system (CLS). However, it remains significantly under-researched within England and Wales despite its implications for prison and probation policy and practice. This article provides empirical insights into the access to and use of digital technology and the digital competency of 41 people with offending histories in Wales, UK. The study utilises and supports Reisdorf and Rikard's (American Behavioural Scientist 62:1273-1290, 2018) digital rehabilitation model, which highlights the interconnectedness of the digital and social world and the need for CLS support to integrate digital competency skills and access to digital technology to help people desist from crime.

Results: The study revealed that people experience varying levels of digital exclusion, from not owning any digital hardware (smartphones, laptops, computers, and tablets) to being unable to afford data for their devices and lacking the digital competency to use digital technology effectively. We highlight the implications for people accessing support that can facilitate desistance and the need for training to improve digital skills.

Conclusion: Our findings further support Reisdorf and Rikard's (American Behavioural Scientist 62:1273-1290, 2018) digital rehabilitation model. We argue that online and offline spaces are intertwined, and understanding and addressing the digital needs of people in the CLS is essential to prevent further marginalisation and support desistance and other positive outcomes.