April Smith

April Smith is a Senior Lecturer in Criminology and Prison Studies at the University of Portsmouth. Her research focuses on women’s imprisonment, peer mentoring, and the relational dimensions of punishment and rehabilitation. Her work explores identity, care, emotional labour, and peer support within custodial settings, with a particular focus on women’s prisons and lived experience within criminal justice environments.

April is a Steering Group Member of the British Society of Criminology Women, Crime and Criminal Justice Network. She is also involved in editorial, peer-review, and public engagement work across criminology and criminal justice.