Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Putting the case for probation

LAW & ORDER

Patricia Wynn Davies
Tuesday 22 July 1997 18:02 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Probation officers should regularly monitor their own effectiveness to boost their case for more government funding, the Chief Inspector of Probation urged in his annual report yesterday.

Graham Smith said probation services were generally more efficient and unit costs had been reduced, with more work carried out by fewer staff. The report concluded: "Research confirms that at its best probation service programmes do reduce offending, protect the public and rehabilitate offenders. They can achieve this whilst also being economic." But it also warned: "A nervous public and political and administrative overseers need more than brave words. They need evidence of effectiveness and, in this respect, the probation service could be more proactive."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in