Supervising Offenders in Prison
The creation of the National Offender Management Service brings together the National Probation Service with Her Majesty's Prison Service. Together, we provide seamless end-to-end sentence management.
A probation offender manager will manage an offender throughout the duration of their sentence, regardless of whether it is served in custody or the community.
Probation staff who work with offenders in prisons prepare risk assessment reports on prisoners being considered for early release. They may also be involved in helping with the delivery of specialist programmes for prisoners to help them address their offending behaviour.
Offenders aged 21 or over are sent to adult prison, but custodial sentences for those aged 18 to 21 are served in a Young Offender Institution (YOI).
Supervising offenders released from prison
Since 2006, all offenders who receive a custodial sentence are subject to compulsory supervision for a pre-determined period on release. Offenders released under the supervision of the Probation Service must report to a nominated officer on the day of their release. The officer will explain any licence conditions and arrange to meet with them at appropriate intervals. The sentence plan that was initiated at the beginning of the custodial sentence will be reviewed and further action planned for the licence period.
Sometimes, a licence may include conditions. For example, an offender may not be allowed to live in or visit certain areas. If an offender breaches the terms of the licence or gives cause for concern, he or she can be recalled to prison.
