What is probation and how does the probationary system work in the United Kingdom? The definition of probation is serving out a court sentence within the community.
PROBATION UK: It means you still serve your sentence but not inside a prison.
But, releasing an offender on probation from detention is subject to several conditions.
It often includes doing unpaid work under supervision. It is also subject to serving a probationary period of good behaviour.
In some cases you can get put on probation because you are serving a community sentence. It can also be because you got released from prison on parole or on licence.
What happens while you are on probation? As a rule, released offenders may have to:
Offenders who are on probation may need to have meetings with their offender manager. As a rule this will take place at the nearest probation office. The first time you meet your offender manager he will explain in detail:
A probation sentence plan informs you of the probationary period rules. You must follow all of your responsibilities written in the plan. Your offender manager will ask you to read and agree to the terms in your 'probation sentence plan'.
Offenders who are on probation must inform their offender manager any time they:
Contact your offender manager any time you miss a scheduled meeting and explain why you did not show. In some cases they may ask for proof such as a letter from your employer or a doctor.
Note: You can miss meetings to attend religious or important events. But, you should provide advance notice to your offender manager.
Breaking the rules of your probation means you could go back to court. For example, you will break probation rules if you:
Note: Breaking the conditions of your licence or parole means you can get taken back to prison.
Offenders can get taken straight back to prison for breaking any probation rules. The probationary system calls it a 'recall'. It you get recalled your offender manager will inform you of the reason behind the recall.
In the United Kingdom there are three different types of prison recalls.
Asking the Parole Board to get released again is 'making representations'. It means you got taken back into prison but you think you should get released once more on probation.
Offenders can discuss it with the parole board themselves or they can ask a family member or friend. A legal adviser can also make representations. But, you must ask within 2 weeks of the time you got informed of your recall to prison.
Probation and the Probationary System in the United Kingdom