Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Probation to ask criminals for feedback on sentences
OFFENDERS are being offered the chance to give feedback on the punishments they receive.
Forums have been established to give those placed on probation an opportunity to relate their views of the experience.
The initiative has been developed by the Probation Board for Northern Ireland.
Its assistant director Gillian Montgomery said: “This is a first for PBNI and has come about following research in other jurisdictions on the benefits of service user engagement.
“It is clear those who have offended can offer valuable insight to those who make decisions about rehabilitation services.
“We know from research that being listened to and contributing to an effective system can be valuable to the rehabilitation process for the individual.
“The role of probation is to hold people who have offended to account but also to ensure people who are rehabilitated do not go on to reoffend.
“We believe these forums will help us achieve that.
“This forum enables victims of crime to have a say in how services are being delivered.
“It is absolutely essential that victims’ voices are heard and we want victims to be able to tell us what works well and how services can be improved.
“Research has shown when offenders take responsibility and play an active and constructive role, they are more likely to desist from crime.”