Watford MP and Justice Minister Claire Ward was given a front line view of the Government's Community Payback scheme when she visited offenders undertaking community service on the Harebreaks in Watford.
Run by Hertfordshire Probation Service, the project involves criminals undertaking manual work within the community in high-visibility jackets with 'community service' written on the back.
Ms Ward said: “ I was impressed. The scheme is about making sure that offenders are seen to be paying back the community as recompense for offences they may have committed in the area. It can act as a form of rehabilitation as well as punishment as many of those involved get the opportunity to see the value of work.”
During the visit Ms Ward spoke to some of the offenders.
She said: “They do get a mixed reception from members of the public - especially along main roads - but on the whole local people are supportive and thank them for their hard work."
Community Payback delivers over 100,000 hours of community service every year for projects to improve areas of Hertfordshire.
The Probation Service itself provides a wide range of programmes to meet different needs including drink driving, anger management, domestic and sexual violence. In addition the probation service provides over 3,000 reports to the courts each year and manages approximately 3,500 offenders at anyone time, including a smaller number preparing for and on release from prison. The service also works with victims of serious violent crime to ensure they are kept appraised of the offenders progress through prison and onto release .
In April 2010, Hertfordshire probation area will undertake a transition to become the Hertfordshire Probation Trust.
Chief Officer Tessa Webb said: “We were pleased to have the opportunity to share with Claire Ward the work we do.
“The transition to become Hertfordshire Probation Trust will provide greater opportunities for innovation and working more closely with our local communities.”
February 4th 2010
|
