THE increasing “number and severity” of caseloads being managed by the Jersey Probation and After-Care Service has been highlighted in a new report by the Comptroller and Auditor General.
Lynn Pamment conducted an audit to evaluate how well JPACS uses its resources to manage risk and to ensure it delivers “an efficient, effective and economic service”.
Among the positive findings documented by Ms Pamment was that the service “has clearly articulated and agreed strategic objectives” and “demonstrates a greater level of maturity when measured against government departments assessed so far by the central risk team”.
She also found that there were “well-established processes in place for casework and quality assurance”.
Additionally, Ms Pamment outlined some areas for improvement, including that “the current case management system has limitations which result in inefficiencies, data quality issues and incompatibility with the prison system”.
“A joint procurement process with the States of Guernsey to replace the system
commenced in 2022,” her report continued.
“This project is still in progress after the initial procurement process was halted at contract stage in 2025 and a new process commenced.”
As of the end of last year, the total JPACS caseload stood at 411 cases.
This marks a 14.2% increase from the 360 cases in 2024.
The total caseload figure of 411 includes 258 cases being managed through Jersey Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements, a framework that brings together a number of different agencies including the States police, the Prison Service and Victim Services.
“The number of individuals managed under JMAPPA has increased steadily
since 2020,” the C&AG report stated.
“As well as a growth in overall caseload, consistent with the overall criminal justice data, there has also been growth in serious offences involving violence, domestic abuse and sexual offences.”
The Comptroller said that the service “faces the inherent challenges typical of small organisations”.
“These include balancing strategic development with operational priorities, and risks associated with individuals in key roles with limited support,” she continued.
“Alongside these pressures, there is evidence that caseloads are increasing in number
and severity.”
Ms Pamment added that, while there were “good examples of change and improvement”, the service’s operational priorities “result in less focus on opportunities for innovation towards an aspirational vision”.
Chief probation officer Mike Cutland said JPACS welcomed the review, stating that the report “recognises many of the strengths within the service while also identifying areas where we can improve further”.
He also noted that it “rightly” acknowledged the challenges faced by small organisations.
“We are a relatively small department with a dedicated and highly professional workforce, and I am extremely proud of what our staff achieve every day,” Mr Cutland continued.
“Our officers work with some of the most complex and vulnerable individuals in our community.
“They help courts make informed decisions, support rehabilitation, reduce reoffending, protect children, manage risk and contribute to keeping Jersey safe.”
Mr Cutland added that, while this work “is often carried out behind the scenes”, it makes “a significant difference to the lives of individuals, families and the wider community”.
“I am pleased that the report recognises our focus on providing quality services for clients, the courts and the public.”
