Released from prison on licence under supervision
For the majority of prisoners, sentences are made up of three parts:
- Time in custody
- Time on licence in the community under the supervision of the probation service
- Time 'at risk' of return to custody *.
* This does not apply to young offenders (aged 18 or under). It does not apply to prisoners sentenced to less than 12 months.
What does being On Licence mean?
You have been released from prison before the end of your sentence, on licence.
The aim of the licence is to help you avoid further offending and another prison sentence.
Your supervising officer will be able to give you advice and help. The success of the licence will depend on the effort you make.
What do I need to do?
You must:
- See your supervising officer on the day you are released
- Keep out of trouble
- Keep appointments with your supervising officer
- Allow visits to your home
- Tell your supervising officer at once if you want to change your address
- Tell your supervising officer at once if you get work, or change your job.
PLEASE NOTE: Travel to other countries is not normally allowed while on licence.
What will supervision mean for me?
When you meet your supervising officer, he/she will:
- Explain the conditions
- Confirm your address
- Discuss any problems
- Tell you how often you will be seen
- Tell you about the complaints procedure
- Agree a supervision plan with you
Once your supervising officer has visited you at home, a letter will be sent to the police. It will confirm your address, the length of licence and the date when you are no longer at risk of recall to prison.
What is a supervision plan?
The plan should say:
- What you need to do to stop you offending again
- How often you will report
- What you should do to get work
Further meetings will follow up this plan and make changes if needed.
Are there any other conditions to my licence?
Your licence may order you to attend a group, or do some special work. Your supervising officer will explain what this means.
What happens if I do not keep to the terms of my licence?
If you do not keep your appointments, if you get into trouble, or do not let your supervising officer know of any change of address or work, the Home Office will be told.
If you miss an appointment, you must let your supervising officer know why.
If the reason given is not acceptable you may get a formal warning.
The Home Office will normally be asked to send you back to prison if you miss more than two appointments with your supervising officer.
What if I am breached?
The Home Office may return you to prison for part or all of your licence period.
How should I keep in touch?
Your supervising officer will often have to be out of the office. You can speak to a duty supervising officer if you wish.
The telephone is answered during normal office hours. Please make sure your supervising officer has given you the number.
What are my rights?
To be treated fairly
To take part in your supervision plan and reviews, and to have a copy of them
To make a complaint. If you feel you have been treated unfairly, you can make a complaint by asking to see the Senior Probation Officer.
If you are not happy with the response, you can write to the Chief Officer at:
Thames Valley Probation Area
Head Office
Kingsclere Road
Bicester
Oxon
OX26 2QD.
The Probation Service will not put up with racist, sexist or other disrespectful behaviour from any person under our supervision.
What if I have any questions or problems?
Get in touch with your Supervising Officer as soon as possible. Staff will try to sort things out for you.
 |
next page: Approved Premises 
page top
