PROBATION OFFICERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3867, 24 April 1928, Page 71

PROBATION OFFICERS.

SYSTEM IN COUNTRY DISTRICTS

' AUCKLAND, April 16

The wisdom of policemen in countiy districts acting as probation officers was questioned by Mr J. J Sullivan during ar. address in the Supreme Court on behalf of a prisoner awaiting sentence. The case came from the Whakatane district, and in view of the fact that the prisoner had never been before a court oreviously Mr Sullivan took exception to the reference in the probation officer’s report which described his client as being “ a bad character generallyfond of drink, and regarded as a bad thief.” ** H could not be expected that in a country district such as Whakatane a special probation officer should be appointed ” observed Mr Justice Blaij. Where the liberty of a person was concerned no expense was too great, retorted Mr Sullivan.

The Crown Solicitor (Mr V. R. Meredith) described as ridiculous the suggestion that the police and probation departments should be separated in country districts. An experienced police officer was always appointed and policemen acting in that capacity had always, in Mr Mere dith’s judgment, carried out their duties with the utmost fairness. It was true that the man had not previously been before the court, but it did not follow because of that fact that he was a person of the very best repute. He was, in fact, a man of distinct criminal characteristics The breaking and entering charges for which he appeared for sentence involved the blowing of safes, which was a seiious offence. In one instance an attempt had been made on the safe of the Public Works Department at Taneatua, which contained £2700 in wages. If the probation officer had not furnished a report on the lines he had he would have failed in his duty. “ I must say. with my limited experience, that I have always fopn-J police officers to be imbued with the keenest sense of justice towards a prisoner, and they are always anxious to do all that may be helpful,” said his Horta.