MP Launches Chichester Probation Centre
12/05/2011
Chichester MP Andrew Tyrie officially opened a refurbished probation office in the town on Friday May 6.
Chichester Probation office, which adjoins the magistrates court in Market Avenue, has been extended and revamped after additional space was allocated to Surrey & Sussex Probation Trust (SSPT) from the court.
SSPT Chief Executive Sonia Crozier said: "The extra space will give us a far greater capacity to develop our work with partner agencies to cut crime and protect the public in Arun and Chichester. This chimes with the themes in the Government's justice green paper Breaking the Cycle, which calls for greater partnership working with offenders.
"We are delighted to welcome the MP and other partners to find out more about our work."
The 38 staff at Chichester probation office supervise some 400 offenders at any one time, either serving Community Orders or post-prison release licence. Staff deliver a range of services to reduce reoffending and protect the public, including Community Payback, substance misuse treatment, offending behaviour programmes and education/skills training.
The trust works closely with partners including Sussex Police, local authorities, substance misuse services, health providers and employment services.
The trust was able to invest in improvements in Chichester following the closure of other offices in Woking and Lewes.
Senior Probation officers Su Leeming and Kathryn Rolls would be delighted to hear from potential partner agencies to discuss ways of working together in the improved premises.
The opening event was sponsored by building contractors Amey and PT Glew and Sons.
