HOW WOULD YOU ‘SELL’ THE PROBATION SERVICE TO A VERY PUNITIV

The possible reasons and effects of punitive mindedness need be discussed and the effects of a custodial sentence, in comparison to community sentence upon offenders and the public will be investigated.

These arguments will prove that the Probation Service is not a ‘soft option’ for offenders, but rather an effective alternative for sentencers, who understand that custody is not the only, or always the most effective, form of punishment.

The dictionary (Collins Compact Dictionary,1977) defines ‘Punitive’ as ‘intended to punish’.

The Probation Service’s began in the late 19th Century with the Church of England Temperance Society. Representatives were sent into the courts due to concern over re-offending and repeated prison sentences. These representatives assisted the court with enquiries, bail arrangements and the care and supervision of offenders. They were so successful that in 1907 courts were able to appoint ‘Probation Office

These attitudes could indeed lead the public into becoming unnecessarily more punitive minded.

The Probation Service now works within a structure of National Standards, which has been in force since 1992. The standards are to reassure sentencers and the public that probation is not a ‘soft option’ and that failing to cooperate with supervision will not be accepted without challenge. (Hedderman, C., Hearnden, I. 2001, p.216)

Consequently the advantages of working collaboratively and with other agencies such as the Police Service, within a correctional services policy is invaluable.

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