Probation officers ‘failing to investigate if dangerous offenders released from prison are lying’

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. HM Inspectorate of Probation found that newly qualified staff were being left to supervise violent criminals and sex offenders after their release from prison – and lack the “professional curiosity” needed to protect the public. open image in gallery Joseph McCann was found guilty of 37 counts relating to 11 women and children, including rape, kidnap and false imprisonment He added: “It emphasises how important it is that probation gets risk management right, and that probation officers are properly supervised and are checking what has been done with regards to police and social services.” Like other criminals who commit further serious offences, the handling of McCann will be reviewed but the report will not automatically be made public. “As the government recruits 20,000 police officers, that will also feed more business into the system and you will need more probation officers to deal with that,” he added. “Staff are under pressure and this could compromise their ability to build effective working relationships with people under supervision and to manage all cases to a consistently high standard.” Mr Russell urged HM Prisons and Probation Service to increase staffing urgently, reduce workloads and improve the supervision of probation officers.