FAQs

On this page:

1. General FAQs
2. Community Payback FAQs
3. Employment, Training and Education (ETE) FAQs
4. Have a question for us?

1. General FAQs

What happens to an offender who re-offends while still on probation?
There are two courses of actions: If it is an emergency case then they will be re-arrested and taken back in to custody within 2 hours; if it isn’t an emergency the re-offender can expect to be back in custody within 24 hours.

Do you ever engineer meetings between victims and offenders?
There are several schemes in place around the country.

Do you ever have individual specialists on a case?
Specialist workers are used on individual cases as no single person can be expected to hold all the required skills.

What is electronic tagging?
A tag is a small electronic devise fitted around an offender’s ankle or wrist that sends a signal to a monitoring centre if the tagged person moves out of designated boundaries.

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2. Community Payback FAQs

How can we identify offenders?
Offenders and staff are wear high visibility clothing to make Community Payback more visible to local communities. Once the work itself is finished it will be badged to show that it is unpaid work performed by offenders as part of their court order.

Is this a new type of sentence?
No. over 30 years ago Community service was launched and has been one of the Probation Service’s most successful projects. Offenders have paid millions of pounds worth of unpaid work to communities over the years. We are now asking local people to have a say in the sort of work offenders carry out and want them to nominate projects, see them completed and know that offenders have done something to pay back for their crimes.

Are offenders taking potential work from unemployed people?
No. The work is specifically work that would not otherwise be carried out because local authorities, schools or charities do not have the funds.

Are potentially dangerous offenders working out in the community?
No. Risk-assessments are carried out before Offenders are put on a community order. Offenders who pose a high risk to the public would not be working on this type of project. Public protection is our main objective.

Who is carrying out Community Payback in the community?
Theoretically, any offender who is sentenced to a community rather than a custodial order could be asked to perform a period of unpaid work. Generally this type of sentence is given to someone who has committed an offence against the community. It could be a public order offence, shoplifting, criminal damage or high-level drink driving.

How many hours Community Payback do offenders carry out?
The Judge or magistrate determines the number of hours which can be between 40 and 300 and should normally be completed within 12 months.

How can I suggest a local area that I want to see improved?
You can fill in a nomination form online.

Is Unpaid Work and Community Payback the same?
Unpaid Work is the sentence of the court.  Probation have branded it Community Payback to emphasise the benefits to the community from this specific court order.

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3. Employment, Training and Education (ETE) FAQs

Will my course help me gain employment?
Yes. Learners who successfully complete an OCN accredited course will receive a certificate as evidence of their learning. If you apply for work or a place on a training programme take your certificate to your interview as it will show your achievement.

If I successfully complete the course will the certificate mention the Probation Service?
No. Certificates are awarded through the College that has run the course and there is no mention of the Probation Service.

Will I have to do any homework?
No. All course work will be done during your placement time.

Does this mean I will be in a classroom?
No. Your learning will happen alongside the work that you do in the community whilst completing your order.

I have difficulty reading and writing. Will I be able to get help?
Your Probation Service officer or supervisor will be able to offer you guidance on how you might improve your reading and writing. Do not worry about your spelling and grammar when completing your workbook because you will not be marked down on this.

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Have a question for us?

Fill in this form and we’ll try and answer it on this page. You don’t need to leave your name and email, but if you do we will also email you with the answer to your question.