Paper short abstract:

This presentation explores a practice-based methodology for examining the socio-technical dynamics in UK prisons, specifically the impact of the OASys risk assessment system on the experiences of incarcerated individuals. It combines scholarly analysis with participant-derived audio narratives.

Paper long abstract:

The proposed presentation introduces a practice-based methodology to investigate socio-technical systems, focusing on UK prisons. Specifically, examining the OASys risk assessment tool and its influence on incarcerated individuals. This approach uncovers the complex interplay of power, decision-making, and governance inherent in the OASys system.

The methodology involves collaboration with former prisoners to examine their OASys files and understand the impact of these socio-technical systems on their prison experiences. This process yields thematic audio clips that offer counter-narratives to the discourse produced by the security apparatus. The presentation will detail the methodology, including:

1. Collaborating with formerly incarcerated individuals to request access to their prison files.

2. Reviewing these files together with participants.

3. Conducting interviews with participants about how the categorisations generated by these files affected their prison experience and the level of control they faced.

4. Transcribing and coding these interviews to highlight key themes.

5. Editing the transcripts to create thematic 'scripts' based on these themes.

6. Working with participants to re-record these 'scripts', producing short thematic audio clips.

7. Publicly presenting these counter-narratives in exhibition formats.

This approach uncovers the material and experimental nature of prison security practices, emphasising the everyday experiences of those directly impacted. The presentation will be a combined format. The academic analysis provides a conceptual understanding of OASys within the socio-technical landscape, while the audio narratives offer an immersive look at the lived experiences under this system.

Requested Time: 20-30 minutes (each audio clip is 4-5mins)