Probation scheme makes justice visible
Distinctive clothing for offenders on unpaid work
OFFENDERS in Wiltshire undertaking unpaid work as part of their community sentences are now wearing distinctive clothing.
The move is part of a national initiative designed to make the public more aware of the work being done, and make it more visible in the community.
In the last year, Wiltshire Probation managed over 700 offenders through unpaid work projects with a value equivalent to around £750,000
Such projects have been promoted under the heading of ‘Community Payback’ since 2005, with signs, displays and plaques on completed projects.
But a Government report, called “Engaging Communities in Fighting Crime”, recommended the use of distinctive clothing for offenders so that the public will find it easier to identify where unpaid work is taking place.
Community Payback projects are a vital part of a sentencer’s armoury when imposing Community sentences.
Offenders pay a price for their crimes, put something back into the community and can get a fresh perspective on their own lives.
Projects are both rigorous and demanding, whilst also providing the opportunity for offenders to develop a better understanding of the impact their behaviour may have had on the local community and the wider public.
The distinctive clothing is orange high visibility vests with the Community Payback logo on the front and the words Community Payback on the back.
The Community Payback logo will in the standard Probation colours of purple and green with the wording Community Payback in purple beneath.
Joe Coleshill, Interventions Manager for Wilshire Probation Area, said: “Through unpaid work projects we aim to provide purposeful punishment of offenders and reduce re-offending.
“We do this by helping offenders to acquire new work- and life-related skills, increase their empathy with victims and grow their sense of community responsibility.
“With all offenders now required to wear high-visibility vests from December, we are ensuring there is visible punishment of offenders in the community.”
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said: “Making sure that people feel safe and secure in their communities is my top priority. And central to that is building people’s confidence that crime is being tackled in their areas and justice is being done – and being seen to be done.
"The new high visibility jackets for Community Payback are another step in helping to build community confidence in the criminal justice system.”
Commenting on the changes, government crime adviser Louise Casey said: “We are committed to the continued transformation of the justice system into a service for victims and witnesses – one where people know it is on the side of the law-abiding majority.”
Current unpaid work projects under way in Wiltshire and Swindon include:
- Hope Nature Centre Trowbridge, where a team has been gardening, digging drainage ditches, building new walkways and repairing buildings and fences;
- Help the Aged charity shop in Westbury, involving sorting and labeling sales items, helping stocktaking and advising customers;
- The Friday Lunch Club in Swindon, where workers help to plan, prepare, cook and serve meals to elderly members of the community and then run a game of Bingo;
- Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital in Salisbury, involving fencing, pen building and general maintenance; and
- Lower Shaw Farm in Swindon, where a team is starting a lengthy project to improve facilities for the local community, including clearance, drainage and minor building work