AC 3.4

Question 1

Probation

Answer 1

Public + Private (2014)

Question 2

Public - NPS

Answer 2

Has been argued to be more successful than CRC’s, half the rates of reoffending compared to prisons. However, it has its weaknesses:

1) National shortage of probation officers
2) High workloads-professional standards compromised
3) Lack of professional leadership
4) No national strategy to provide enough local specialist service
5) Premises are dated, shabby and in some cases not secure
6) Shortage of places specialist programmes to address the cause of offending

Question 3

Private Companies

Answer 3

In 2014 the conservative gov launched a new policy including part-privatisation of the probation service under the then Justice Secretary
Resulted in 21 private companies- CRCs- Responsible for particular geo areas- deal with low risk offenders
Payment would be received on meeting set targets

Probation monitoring is “shambolic”. Connor Marshall was beaten to death by David Brandon who was on probation. Not properly supervised missed 8 probation appointments while being monitored by a CRC

Question 4

Does it work?

Answer 4

19 CRC failed to meet target made by Gov expectations. 2018 probation service report indicated:
1) Offenders housing needs were met less often
2) Offenders supervised by phone only
3) One CRC held meetings in open places
4) CRC’s provided inadequate protection for children and victims of domestic abuse cases
5) CRC’s carrying higher loads than public
Terminated at the end of 2020.

Bias
Political ideology of conservative gov is biased in favour of part-privatisation
Conservatives see privately-owned commercial companies as the most effective means of achieving social control
Belief that private companies can provide both a more effective + cost efficient service