Will I see a Probation officer?

It is a minimum requirement that the Probation Officer sees you at least once a week for 4 months, and afterwards contact continues to be based on the assessment of risk of re-offending. An overall workplan will be written agreed with you at the time of the Pre-Sentence Report. The Probation Officer will explain what is expected of you, and draw up a contract and an agreement as to the standards and services expected of each party explained.

If you are subject to an Order requiring supervision by a Probation Officer, you must adhere to the reporting instructions. If you breach the rules of the Order, a warrant will be issued for your arrest, and you may have to return to court.

What will I have to do?

Whilst subject to Probation supervision offenders will engage in programmes or access resources which are considered most likely to change behaviour and prevent further offending. The range of services are many and varied and will be tailored to the individual. For some people this will mean intensive supervision requiring attendance at a residential facility or day centre, where you will be expected to engage in understanding and looking at ways of changing your behaviour. Others might attend their local probation office to take part in programmes, which help them manage their approaches to alcohol/drugs or violence.

Many offenders will also be involved in programmes aimed at promoting employment opportunities and/or positive use of leisure time.

To encourage communities and voluntary organisations to establish projects which tackle crime in local areas PBNI provides direct funding to many initiatives in the areas of accommodation, training/employment and recreation. Probation staff in many cases also work alongside community workers in providing programmes to divert young people from crime.