Probation article continued:


Dedicated probation staff like Ann and thousands like her play a valuable role at different stages of an offender’s journey. They undertake vital work ranging from making initial assessments about offenders appearing before the Courts and preparing pre-sentence reports for Judges and Magistrates (providing additional insight into an offender’s offence or personal circumstances, thus helping courts pass the most appropriate sentence), to working with offenders during their community sentence, and from engaging partner agencies such as police and social workers to supporting the victims of crime to find peace.


The Probation Service and the staff working in it believe that positive intervention works and that all offenders, many of whom have previously led difficult and damaged lives, are capable of re- integrating back into society if given the right support, motivation and encouragement.


Katie Shore Business Service Manager www.london-probation.org.uk Transformation Programme


Restorative Justice in partnership with


retai l security T


he Youth Support Service (YSS) within Surrey County Council has a responsibility


to supervise young people who have committed crime or who are at risk of doing so. An important aspect of this work is addressing the harm that is caused by youth crime. A recent research programme by the Ministry of Justice, over a seven-year period, found that re-offending rates dropped significantly when Restorative Justice is introduced.


finally... and


When the YSS of Surrey County Council approached me for help in dealing with first time and young offenders, I embraced the challenge, believing that together we could make a positive and lasting difference to young people’s lives. The initiative aims to show the young offenders the error of their ways, what their actions could mean in later life and the consequences for retailers and workers.


A young person between the ages of 14 and 19 who has committed an act of theft is given the opportunity to make right what they have done. Instead of a criminal record, they are given a contract to either apologise to the


stores affected or write a letter. If the meeting is face-to-face the retailers can put their feelings across in a controlled manner and explain the consequences of shoplifting. This is very powerful, as the offender has nowhere to hide and has to face the consequences of their actions head on.


When explaining the consequences to the young people, I use the scenario of a first aid incident where team members are dealing with a shoplifter and therefore cannot respond. The first aid incident may be quite serious and, if I do not have the whole team available, this may have serious consequences and how would they feel if it were someone they cared about.


I think our shopping malls offer a perfect opportunity to engage with young people. If you feel you can contribute, get in touch with your local teams and find out if you can be of assistance and make a difference. It really is worth the effort.


John Sephton Security Manager, Axis Security Woking Town Centre Management Limited www.axis-security.co.uk


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EDITOR : Eugene O’Mahony Email: Editor@citysecuritymagazine.com


EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Don Randall MBE, Paul Eskriett MBE, Lorraine Cussen of the City of London Crime Prevention Association. Ian Mansfield, Steven Jackson and Tracey Woods of the City of London Police.


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36 © CI TY S ECURI TY MAGAZ INE – AUTUMN 2013


The magazine that promotes security issues nationwide


c i tysecur i tymagazine. com SECURITY CITY ® Winter issue out January 2013


© City Securitymagazine is published quarterly in partnership with the City of London Crime Prevention Association and the City of London Police. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine, copy or photography may be reproduced in any form, electronic or in print without prior written permission of the editorial committee.


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