Comment on HM Inspectorate of Probation annual report 2017

In response to the publication of the HM Inspectorate of Probation annual report, Nacro Chief Executive, Jacob Tas, said:
“Today’s report from  HMI Probation highlights the urgent need to improve the way our criminal justice system works to reduce crime, protect the public and create safer communities.

“In recent months there have been almost daily reports of problems throughout the justice system, across prisons and probation. The Chief Inspector of Probation highlights that IT system failings and severe financial stresses and cutbacks are undermining the ambitions of private Community Rehabilitation Companies to provide innovative approaches to probation.

“At Nacro, we work across the country with offenders and people with an offending history, who often have complex needs, and support them to build positive and independent futures. We have seen first-hand the challenges in the system and the need for an improved approach to resettlement and rehabilitation. The Government must act urgently to address the problems in the criminal justice system and ensure a relentless focus on rehabilitation. We need to make sure the focus is on changing lives and delivering the individualised support needed to help people move away from crime. This requires the right financial resources and IT systems to be in place to reduce the existing bureaucratic burden.”