Short Sentence Suspension Probation Service 2023-11-21
2023-11-21
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises from concerns about the capacity and effectiveness of the probation service in managing offenders under community supervision.
I am concerned about the potential impact of suspending short sentences on the probation service. What assessment has been made?
To expand probation capacity, we have increased funding by £155 million a year. We recruited an additional 1,000 trainee officers in 2020-21, 1,500 more the following year, and another 1,500 the year after that. This ensures robust supervision for offenders who pose the highest risk to communities.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question is prompted by concerns that the proposed shift in responsibilities will exacerbate existing pressures on the probation service.
Successive Conservative Ministers have allowed the criminal justice system to fall into its current parlous state, making many communities less safe. Can the Secretary of State guarantee that funds intended for prisons will be moved to the probation service to ensure community safety?
Crime levels have fallen by 40% since 2010. Reoffending has dropped from about 32% to about 25%. As we move towards suspended sentence orders, I am engaging with probation service leadership and frontline officers to ensure their workload is manageable and they have the necessary resources.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not explicitly address whether prison funding will be redirected to the probation service.
Engaging With Probation Service Leadership
Meeting Frontline Officers
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
Concerns about increased retail crime and the ability of the probation service to handle such cases.
Retail workers face increasing attacks, with a 24% increase in shoplifting last year. Can the Secretary of State assure us that the probation service can manage retail crime and ensure shop workers are protected?
Those who commit crimes, especially against shop workers, should expect full legal consequences. We can use tags to ensure compliance with stringent requirements, including restrictions on certain areas like shopping precincts. Violations could lead to prison sentences.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns about the workload of probation officers and staff attrition rates.
In response to a previous question, it was stated that 1,000 additional probation officers were recruited. However, there are fewer officers now compared to last year, with many leaving due to excessive workloads. Will extended sentences and electronic monitoring simply shift more pressure onto the probation service?
As of 30 September 2023, there was a 4.2% increase for band 3 officers, 6.9% for band 4, and 13% for senior probation officers. The attrition rate is down. We are investing in the probation service to ensure its officers can manage their difficult job effectively.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not specify what measures will be taken to address workload pressures and reduce staff departures.
Investing In The Probation Service
Response accuracy