WORKLOAD for Jersey’s probation service is at a five-year high, according to its latest report.
From January to June this year, supervisions carried out by probation officers rose to 201. According to previous reports, the total number of new supervisions in 2022 and 2023 were 437 and 422 respectively.
The latest report sets out that probation and community service orders rose by 51% and 29% respectively compared to the same period in 2023.
Supervisions were at a five-year high, the report stated.
Hours worked in community service – for organisations such as Jersey Heritage, Durrell, ArtHouse Jersey and a range of sports clubs and charities – were also the highest for five years. The 8,735 hours worked corresponded to more than £100,000 of work calculated using the minimum wage, according to the report.
With more than 85% of clients completing probation and community service orders and 100% of children completing supervision ordered at parish hall inquiries, chief probation officer Mike Cutland described the results of his department’s work as “encouraging”.
“They demonstrate that the team’s work with clients is proving effective, allowing them opportunities to reduce risk of reoffending, develop an understanding about the needs of others, make reparation to the community and learn new skills. The work is often complex and demanding but is important to contribute to a safer Island. As ever, we are more effective when we work in partnership with the wider community and we are grateful to the agencies who work with us and provide some fantastic opportunities for clients to develop lives without offending,” Mr Cutland said.
The probation service report highlights the impact of work undertaken by offenders in the community as part of their sentence. Taking one example, Jersey Heritage say that thousands of hours have been spent helping to maintain the Island’s historic sites.
Head of facilities and security Ian Daly said: “At times, we have had some really skilled people on site, who have made a big difference in specific areas.
“This additional support is most welcome and the feedback I’ve received from the probation and community service managers is that their clients really enjoy working at Jersey Heritage sites. Long may this relationship continue.”
For clients under 18 – where peer group pressure, problems regulating aggression and alcohol misuse were the most significant causes of offending – probation say that the “positive steps” initiative continues to provide opportunities to learn new skills at placements including food banks, the ambulance station, St John Ambulance, St Ewold’s and ArtHouse Jersey.
The report added: “We are excited about future partnership work with Jersey Sport, which will aim to encourage young people to participate in sport and potentially achieve qualifications in their chosen area.”
