EFFICIENT SYSTEM

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 43, 19 August 1930, Page 11

EFFICIENT SYSTEM

OFFENDERS' PROBATION

The value of probation as a cleterrent to crime is referred to in the annual report of the Chief Probation OiScer (Mr. B. L. Dallard) presented to Parliament yesterday.

The report shows tllat in the great majority of cases those admitted to probation have justified the clemency extended, and, with a few exceptions, have satisfactorily complied with the conditions of their probation. There were 1886 cases dealt with during the year, made up of 70S new admissions and 1178 oil the books at the commencement of the year. Of the total number dealt with only 161, or a fraction over 8 per cent., failed to conform with the conditions imposed upon them by the Court. A total sum of £4513 19s 7d, representing restitution-moneys and costs of prosecution, was collected from probationers during the year. This is an increase of 9 per cent, over the amount collected for the previous year, and is the largest amount that, has so far been collected in any one year since probation was instituted. The total sum collected siiice the inception of the scheme amounts to £46,003, the greater portion of which comprises restitution, to victims. This is a positive feature of probation «as compared with imprisonment where the victim receives nothing and the offender becomes a charge on the taxpayer. The foregoing satisfactory results, particularly in regard to the small percentage of , failures, bears witness to the efficacy of the methods adopted, and is due mainly to the thoroughness with which probation officers have carried out their duties and to the splendid assistance given by a large band of voluntary helpers.