Thames Valley Probation - Prolific and Priority Offenders

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Managing offenders

Research shows that only 10 per cent of offenders are responsible for 50 per cent of recorded crimes. These crimes include theft from shops, burglary, criminal damage and assault and are often associated with drug and alcohol addiction.

The Prolific and Priority Offenders scheme is a partnership between probation, police, local councils and other community organisations targeting these most prolific offenders.

And it works. In some instances we have recorded an 80 per cent reduction in PPOs involved in the scheme being convicted of further crimes in a 12-month period.

Which offenders are targeted?

Offenders are identified for PPO because of their previous criminal record. Many have a long history of offending, with 30 or 40 convictions. They must have at least six convictions in the last 12 months. The type of offences is prioritised for seriousness, and schemes can focus on local priorities, such as burglary.

How are they supervised and supported?

Offenders are supervised by a team which includes a probation officer and apolice officer.

When offenders first come on to a PPO scheme, their lifestyle is often very chaotic. So we visit them at home. At first the offender needs a lot of support and contact time, and we will see them four times a week. Work starts by tackling the most immediate issues. This might include helping offenders with:

Access to drug treatment
Help in finding suitable accommodation
Making sure they are claiming the benefits they are entitled to (sometimes this provides them with a legitimate income for the first time)
Help with any personal issues which might be contributing to their offending

Sometimes the offenders have previously struggled to access help even when it is available, so PPO officers go with them to their appointments for the first few weeks. This helps them to overcome any barriers and start working on their problems.

Moving forward

Offenders will usually become more stable after a short time on the scheme. Then it is possible for other work to begin. This can include other requirements of their Community Order , education and training schemes or additional drugs or alcohol treatment. Many local housing providers will also support offenders in maintaining their tenancies.

PPO is tough and it takes time. Often there will be short spells of progress followed by a lapse. This is often associated with drug abuse and offending. When this happens, offenders are fast-tracked back to court.

PPO looks to build on the periods of success so that with time offenders' lapses become less frequent and less serious.

As the Community Order comes to an end, the team will help offenders access other local support services on a voluntary basis. This helps them to make strong local contacts so they can continue in their new lifestyle and not
reoffend

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