Mayor praises work of Probation Service

The focus of all of the work undertaken by the Probation Board is to reduce offending. And the four key elements of the work are ensuring sentence compliance; challenging offending; minimising harm; and promoting responsible citizenship.

The Mayor said, “I was delighted to visit the PBNI office to find out more about what they do in the North West area. It was interesting to hear about the 345 court orders PBNI supervise covering a range of sentences like Probation Orders, Combination Orders and Community Service Orders. I recognise the important work Probation staff carry out every day supervising these court orders, facilitating rehabilitation programmes and working to make the community safer for everyone. This is a vital service for all the people of the city as the Probation staff work to reduce offending whilst giving people an opportunity to turn their lives around.”

Nicola Barr, PBNI Area manager, said “The Probation Board has been working in the North West area for close to 30 years. PBNI staff work in close partnership with local agencies and groups such as North West Counselling, Women’s Aid, NIACRO’s Jobtrack programme, the Youth Justice Agency, PSNI, and the Court Service in order to reduce offending behaviour and increase community safety.

The North West team covers a geographical area spanning Strabane to Londonderry to Limavady. Last year we completed 679 Pre-Sentence Reports to courts and currently supervise around 345 Court Orders. The Orders and Licences supervised include Community Service Orders, Custody Probation Orders, Determinate Custodial Sentences and Combination Orders. All of the staff work with local partners in the community including the courts, other statutory agencies and the voluntary sector. We deliver a professional service working with offenders to make the community safer.”