THE REFORM OF THE CRIMINAL.

Marlborough Express, Volume XL, Issue 5, 7 January 1907, Page 4

THE REFORM OF THE CRIMINAL.

HOME OFFICE P.LAN FOR FIRST

OuuENDERS

"Reformation rather than punishment " is to be in future the motto of judges, magistrates, and prison directors in England. This, in effect, is the line on which the Home Office is likely to proceed in its future action in regard to the treatment of first offenders.

Sir E. Ruggles-Brise, the chairman of the Commissioners of Prisons, has lately visited America and carefully studied the working of the probation system for the reformation of criminals. (With his fellow commissioners he is now strongly in favour of its general adoption. ■ _Urider the probation system first offenders of previous good character are, after conviction, given an opportunity to reform without punishment. The existing First Offenders Act does not always meet the case or effect reform, but under the American plan the prisoner gives a promise, reports-each month to an officer that he. is-getting an honest living, is closely watched;allthe time, and then, should '^re^bfei any further relapse into crinM; vvis? charged again and sentenced for both offences.

.In 12 months, according to the latesfc returns, 70,099 men and 11,810 women who had not been previously convicted were received into the/various prisons, and the cost of maintaining them while under sentence works out at over 10s a week a head. It is estimated that about £200,000 a year might be-saved, and 90 per cent, of these offenders.reformed. The probation system corresponds to the supervision of prisoners released on ticket-of-leave, - and; it has been found m practice that' the.,lesson thus learned is effective^>*iid:f that the offender does not again .willingly break the law.

Xt" 11 JL? n e! cellent system," said a ±±ome (Jthce to an Express repi;es€sritative.

.r.--:'..^Y'F Premature to discuss what ,pur.wac,taon will be, but you may take it\foc-granted that we are in favour of this scheme.

Many judges and magistrates now exercise their discretion wisely and endeavour to save those who they consider deserve it, and if this extended probation system comes into operation it .will give them far wider opportunities in attempting these reformations." i * ,?-n h? 12 months ending last March, 15,8(8 boys and 2248 girls under 21 years of age were' convicted and imprisoned, and 40 per cent, of all the indictable offences were committed by juveniles, though the persons between 10 and 21 amount to only 23 per cent, of the population. That these youthful offenders can be saved is proved by the report of the medical officer of Pentonville prison who says:—"By getting at the young prisoner while still in the plastic stage, when it is possible to give him regular habits of work, and to brace his moral and physical tone, you can prevent the development of the professional tramp and cheek £he evolution of the professional criminal."