The number of ex-offenders charged with committing serious crimes while on probation has increased by a third to reach a new record, according to the latest figures. The probation service identified 770 instances last year where released criminals were accused of committing serious further offenses. This includes crimes like murder, rape, violence, and arson. This number is up by 33% compared to the previous year, reaching the highest on record. This surge comes at a time when thousands of prisoners have been released early by the government.
Victims’ advocates have expressed concern over this increase, highlighting that the high workload and pressures on the probation service are compromising public safety. With the emergency release of prisoners, there have been cases where offenders were let out without proper planning, increasing the risk of reoffending.
Cases like the murder of Zara Aleena, a young lawyer, by a man wrongly classified as “medium-risk” upon being released from prison, have raised alarms about the probation system’s effectiveness. The data shows that 603 people have been convicted of murder while under probation supervision since 2014, indicating a serious issue that needs to be addressed.
In addition to ex-offenders on probation, there has been a 33% rise in charges against violent and sexual offenders monitored by Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (Mappa). This monitoring involves both probation and the police due to the nature of their past crimes. The increase in charges and convictions for serious further crimes is concerning, as it puts the safety of victims and the public at risk.
Victims’ commissioner, Baroness Newlove, emphasized the importance of effective offender management in the community to ensure public safety. The probation service plays a crucial role in managing high-risk offenders, but resources and manageable caseloads are essential for its effectiveness. The government’s commitment to recruiting more probation staff is welcomed, but more needs to be done to address the challenges faced by the probation service.
Chief inspector Martin Jones highlighted the need for good probation practices to keep communities safe. Despite the difficulties in predicting serious further offenses, prioritizing risk assessment and management is crucial in minimizing the likelihood of such crimes occurring. The Ministry of Justice is taking steps to improve the supervision of offenders, including recruiting new probation officers.
In conclusion, the surge in ex-offenders charged with new crimes on probation raises significant concerns about public safety. Addressing the challenges faced by the probation service, ensuring effective offender management, and prioritizing risk assessment are crucial steps in preventing serious further offenses and protecting the community.
