UK PROLIFIC OFFENDER SCHEME A Practitioners Point of View

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UK PROLIFIC OFFENDER SCHEME(A Practitioners
Point of View)
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THE HISTORY

• Following extensive studies of recidivist
  offenders in England and Wales, there were
  several key findings
• A core minority of offenders committed the
  majority of acquisitive crime.
• Yorkshire 2004 stated that 10 of active
  criminals are responsible for 50 of crime.
• There was a definite link between the crime and
  drug addiction.

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More History

• Following findings from earlier studies several
  Constabularies set up voluntary Prolific
  Offender schemes.
• Staffordshire began a scheme in 2000 which
  incorporated Probation, Police, Drug Rehab aided
  by the Crime Reduction Partnership.
• In around 2002 the UK government sponsored 15
  pilot schemes to be set up in suitable areas.
• Including the Hastings and Rother Persistent
  Offender Scheme. (HARPOS)

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CRITERIA

• The criteria used in HARPOS was 6 offences of a
  suitable nature in a 12 month period at liberty.
• Suitable offences included Burglary, Robbery,
  some classes of Theft dependant on the subjects
  history.
• As the scheme developed, Police used a greater
  deal of Intelligence in order assist in the
  selection of suitable candidates.

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PROLIFIC OFFENDER FLOW CHART
ASSESSMENT OF SUITABILITY
CONVICTION
Suitable Probation Order
Custody
Persistent Offender scheme
Parole
4 Contacts Per Week
Non Compliance/Breach
3 Months
Compliance 3 Contacts
3 Months
COMPLETED
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COURT SYSTEM

• Following the inception of the pilot schemes,
  approaches were made to Judges panels and the
  court working partnerships.
• Presenting new Probation Orders and Prison
  Licence details.
• Outlining the requirements of the new order or
  Licence stipulation.
• Ensuring the co-operation of the court was
  instrumental in the schemes success.

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INTENSIVE SUPERVISION

• Resourced by 1 Probation officer, 1 Police
  Officer, Probation Support Officer and an Admin
  assistant originally (the scheme has now found
  funding for a specialist drug nurse).
• 4 Contacts per week including
• 1 home visit per week (Police Probation)
• 1 Office visit (with the Probation officer)
• 2 contacts (enforceable) directing the subject
  to attend appointments, courses or otherwise that
  improves the persons chances of not
  re-offending.

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PARTNERSHIPS

• Employment agency
• Employment training (including driver training)
• Drug rehabilitation
• Alcohol Action team
• Working Families and Income
• Housing agency
• Any other relevant party (inc actual employment)
• Education Facilities inc. Basic English/Maths

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METHODOLOGY

• The need to engender trust and belief in the
  scheme is paramount.
• No hidden surprises, introduced in role.
• Prison visit (x2) prior to release to explain and
  clear up any misconceptions.
• Meeting at Pre-Sentence report (PSR) stage to
  explain recommendation for the person to attend
  the scheme.

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Cont.

• On release or sentence, immediate contact to
  prevent a reduction in confidence.
• Studies have shown the first 48hrs from release
  to be the greatest at risk period for
  re-offending.
• The prison visit or PSR will have been used to
  find interests or requirements in order to keep
  the person engaged.
• Present program for the immediate future.
• Try to ensure accommodation is available.

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Theres more

• The home visit allows the person to be on their
  own turf.
• An opportunity to meet family and associates.
• Identify triggers for offending (drug usage,
  associations, lack of heat or food, literacy).
• Be a contact. Experience has shown the mere
  returning of seized clothing has reduced the
  chances of re-offending.
• Allow the person to see a different side of the
  Police (a support rather than a hammer).

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PARTNERSHIP
SUBJECT
ASSOCIATE
UNSOLVED CASES
FAMILY
INTELLIGENCE
OTHER OFFENDER INFORMATION
POLICE
LOCATION
INFORMANT
M.O
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OFFENDER GAINS

• Employment training and employment
• Housing improvements
• Driver training
• Drug rehabilitation
• Correct benefits
• Better literacy, numeracy skills
• Which leads to.

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.IMPROVED

• Trust in the Police
• Self confidence
• Confidence in the system
• Health
• Associations
• Self Esteem

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BREACHES

• Due to the intensity of the scheme breaches are
  numerous
• The speed of breach for those that dont engage
  is swift.
• The licence breach incurs a fast track recall
  (within 24hrs).
• The knowledge gained by the scheme is utilised to
  locate the offender.

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Proving the Scheme (the beginning)

• A reticence from Management to believe the scheme
  was a success.
• Lip service paid by Intelligence managers.
• Relationship building with Partner Agencies
• Gaining trust from external partners
• Correct identification of suitable subjects

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Examples of Success

• A male 18yrs old on release from prison, heroin
  addict, disqualified driver, over 100 burglary
  convictions. Last offences included driving away
  with a Police officer attached to his car
  following a burglary offence. Given 3yrs
  Imprisonment.
• Reticent to start, no trust, expected to return
  to old ways.
• Given employment opportunity due to the
  supervision of the scheme.
• Regained licence, learnt to read. Gained
  confidence and self esteem.
• Returned to his family and subsequently gained
  custody of his younger brother following
  abandonment from his separated parents.

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Examples of Success

• 2) Male, 32yrs old, spent most of his life in
  custody. On release from a 3yr sentence for
  multiple burglaries.
• Paid lip service to the scheme.
• Due to the males habitual dress having been
  noted during visits he was identified as being
  responsible for a serious assault and street
  robbery.
• Subsequently recalled and further sentenced.

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Examples of Success

• 3) 26yr old male, having been identified as
  suitable for the scheme attended interview at PSR
  stage.
• Having left the building following the interview
  the male and an accomplice attended a location,
  robbed and murdered the business owner.
• The evidence provided by myself and another
  attendee who was located due to the info gained
  on the scheme resulted in their arrested and
  subsequent conviction for murder.

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THE END OF THE BEGINNING

• Due in a large part to the success of the Pilot
  scheme the template for county wide schemes was
  set.
• Since the original pilot a juvenile component has
  been introduced.
• The Senior Management receive direct feedback
  from the schemes and closely monitor its
  progress.
• A justification matrix has been developed
  alongside Premium Service memorandum between
  Partnership agencies.

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FIGURING ON SUCCESS
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RESULTS

• The previous slide shows the most recent data
  available from the schemes now running in Sussex.
• Using the end totals 68 Offenders met the
  criteria. Having offended a total of 730 offences
  (inc. those taken into consideration (TIC)) over
  a 12month period
• During and after the scheme the offenders
  committed 137 offences (inc. TICs) a drop in
  offending rate of.81
• The estimated cost saving was approx. 1.25m
  (500,000 UK Pounds)

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With Thanks to

• Julie James PPO Co-ordinator, Sussex Police ,
  England.
• Staffordshire Prolific Offender Scheme
• Burnley PPO Scheme
• UK Home Office, Crime Reduction Publications.