PROBATION SUCCESSES

Evening Star, Issue 21822, 11 September 1934, Page 10

PROBATION SUCCESSES

ONLY 8 PER CENT. FAIL TO COMPLY GOOD RECORD FOR DIFFICULT TIMES [From Qua Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON, September 11. Despite the difficult economic conditions, the probation system of dealing with crime met with success last year* only 8 per cent, of those released on probationary license failing to comply with the terms laid down. According to the annual report on this subject, presented to Parliament today, 2,201 cases were dealt with during the year, which is eleven less than last year. The number of fresh admissions to probation was 767, or 134 less than for the year 1932, the reduction being due to the general diminution in the volume of crime for the past year. The decline in commitments to prison has been proportionately greater than the falling-off in admissions to probation. Of the total number of persons on probation, 174, or approximately 8 per cent, only, failed to conform to the requirements of their probationary licenses. This is exceedingly gratifying considering present-day conditions, which no doubt intensify the difficulties, states the report, particularly with respect to those cases where restoration is required to be made. The probation officers have indicated that, in many cases, this has involved definite selfdenial. The making of restitution in such circumstances is undoubtedly an indication of the redemptive influence that ’is brought to bear under probationary supervision. The total amount paid by probationers during the year was £2,375, representing £403 for costs of prosecution, and £1,972 restitution to victims. “ Probation must not be _ regarded as a substitute for punishment,” states the report. “It definitely involves restriction of liberty. It is an attempt at helping the offender to reshape his life in the community under a system of firm but sympathetic and constructive oversight. Although, up to a point, the probationer’s life is ordered, he does fend for himself in the community, and he does not become so dependent as in the case of a person sentenced to imprisonment. Probation calls for the study of the individual offender and for careful investigation of the whole of the surrounding circumstances associated with the committing of the offence. It requires practical understanding of human nature in order to induce the full co-operation of the offender in bringing about his rehabilitation.