Probation
Justice
Written answers and statements, 5 November 2009
Bill Wiggin (Whip, Whips; Leominster, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many Tier 4 offenders are under supervision by unqualified probation officers.
Maria Eagle (Minister of State (also in the Government Equalities Office), Ministry of Justice; Liverpool, Garston, Labour)
Offenders classified as tier 4 present the highest risks of harm and likelihood of re-offending and therefore require a high level of probation expertise and resource. National guidance on tiering (Probation Circular 65/2005 and 8/2008) makes it clear that staff must be trained and competent for the roles they discharge but does not prescribe that tier 4 cases must be managed by a particular grade of staff or that staff should hold a particular qualification. Information about the management of individual cases is held locally by individual probation areas and trusts.