APPENDIX 17
Supplementary note by the National Association
of Probation Officers
The National Association of Probation Officers
have been asked to make further comments in the light of evidence
presented to the Committee on 27 January 1998. [80]
1. NAPO POLICY
In April 1997, NAPO expressed its view of the
priorities of the service as follows: "The modern probation
service affords an effective contribution towards protecting the
public and works to prevent re-offending. It is highly cost-effective."
This remains our view.
2. STATISTICS
The statistics in NAPO's original submission
were almost entirely taken from three Home Office annual publications.
These are: Crime, Prison and Probation Statistics. The most recent
show that 80 per cent of those placed on a community order completed
the period of supervision without reconviction or breach. In 1992,
the completion figure was 83 per cent and in 1982 it was 84 per
cent. The number of those on supervision with a previous history
of custody has risen from less than 20 per cent in 1980 to more
than 40 per cent in 1994. This has been in line with Home Office
wishes.
3. FURTHER
OFFENCES
There is no evidence to suggest that those on
probation commit numerous more offences which go undetected. Indeed
given that the police do tend to target known offenders with known
ways of offending, the proposition seems highly unlikely.
4. EARLY
INTERVENTION
Since 1993 the proportion of those on a community
penalty with no previous conviction has risen sharply from 19
per cent in 1993 to 34 per cent last year. This is said by this
Home Office to be a consequence of sentences being more harsh,
that is, greater use of jail and community penalties, less use
of fines and conditional discharges.
5. RECONVICTIONS
It has been claimed in the past 51 per cent
of those leaving prison are reconvicted within two years compared
to 53 per cent of those on a community penalty. However Home Office
research study No 136, published in 1995 suggests that the reconviction
figures need correcting and that 6 percentage points needs to
be shaved off community penalties and two points off the prison
figure. This takes into account "pseudo reconvictions",
offences which occurred before the supervision or prison period.
There is no research available on the type or seriousness of the
reconviction. Research commencing into this area would be useful.
6. NATIONAL
STANDARDS
The probation service has been striving for
several years to meet national standards on contact with offenders.
Given current budgets, this is often difficult. However an increasing
number of orders now 30 per cent, have conditions such as attendance
at a probation centre programme attached. This is clearly more
expensive and is not always needed in every case.
7. RECOMMENDATIONS
The Home Office in the past has instructed the
probation service that the purpose of a court report is to offer
advice to the court on which community penalties are available
and suitable. There are occasions obviously when they may not
be deemed appropriate.
Harry Fletcher
February 1998
80 Evidence from Mr Peter Coad, Mr David Fraser and
Professor Ken Pease pp 22-43. Back
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