Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/2448/-1/133/
|
The Anguilla Probation Service Part 1
|
The newly established Anguilla Probation Service commenced in January 2005. Over the past several months several initiatives have been undertaken by the Department with the view of fulfilling our mandate which is the provision of probation services on the island of Anguilla. The following is a brief outline of a few of those initiatives.
|
|
Jocelyn Johnson-Carty Chief Probation Officer
|
Within the first few weeks of taking office the staff of the Anguilla Probation Service met with our partners in the field of criminal justice as a means of introduction in addition to informally discussing our individual as well as collaborative roles as they relate to probation services. We also began to develop our Mission Statement, Vision Statement, Core Values and Code of Ethics and other operational standards that will govern the environment and quality of service provided by the Anguilla Probation Service. Probationer processing forms were created for departmental use. Our programme needs were researched and identified. We were also able to identify possible options for community service placement through an information presentation. The staff of the Anguilla Probation Service was sent on a two-week attachment with the Department of Court Services – Bermuda. The exposure to administrative as well as frontline probation case management protocol and procedures in Bermuda has assisted us in the development of our services here on Anguilla.
It is important to note that the “job” of community corrections is not only the mandate of the Anguilla Probation Service and related criminal justice agencies but also that of community organizations, and the wider Anguillian community. A community-based service delivery program implies that the community plays an active role. For any probation system to work everyone has to play a part. So, for the Anguillian Probation Service to work ALL Anguillians must play a part. In so doing we will all ensure the safety and security of the Anguillian community.
“When a crime occurs, a debt is incurred.” That debt has to be repaid. While we may not all agree on how that debt is to be repaid probation services provide avenues where the focus is on the repair of the damage caused by offenders. Additionally ex-offenders are reintegrated into society as a way of healing as well as punishing crime.
The Anguilla Probation Service envisions partnerships with the Courts, the community and probationers based upon mutual respect, integrity and dignity. We strive for excellence and the highest level of service to community and clients. We are dedicated to:
*Incorporating progressive ideas and actions.
*Assuming a leadership role in crime prevention and education.
*Exploring and implementing new technologies and innovative programs for probationers.
*Ensuring the continued safety and confidence of victims and the Anguillian community.
*Developing an organization which values open communication, agency-wide participation and teamwork.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Anguilla Probation Service is to assist the Court by providing offenders, under our supervision, the opportunity to make positive behavioral changes. This is in an effort to promote and enhance the safety and security of the Anguillian community. Our goal will be accomplished through individualized, client centered goal coordination, the effective use of community based resources and the consistent and unbiased administration of prescribed sanctions.
VISION STATEMENT
The Anguilla Probation Service seeks:
To assist offenders living in Anguilla to become productive, contributing members of society.
To assist offenders in creating a better understanding of their maladaptive and anti-social thinking and behaviors.
To assist in improving the social responsibility of offenders in an effort to promote reintegration.
To assist in creating a safer community that works in partnership to minimize the risks of offending / re-offending and victimization.
To establish prevention strategies in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
To reduce the incidence and impact of crime on Anguilla by providing consequences for behavior as well as programs and services for offenders that encourage and facilitate law abiding behavior.
To promote probation staff safety through information, education and training.
To promote continuing education of probation staff in order to enhance the services offered to offenders.
CORE VALUES
We believe that protection of the community is fundamental.
We believe that each person is responsible for his or her own behavior and must be held accountable for that behavior.
We believe that the people in our charge have the ability to change for the better and that we can be instrumental in providing opportunities and resources to direct that change.
We believe that everyone is to be treated with dignity and respect.
Anguilla Probation Service
Herbert’s Commercial Centre
Suites 1-3
The Valley
Tel. # 476-7343