University of OxfordCentre for Criminology

Probation & Youth Justice Research Unit

MANAGING PERSISTENT ANDSERIOUS OFFENDERS IN THE

COMMUNITY

Dr Colin Roberts,Professor of Criminology & Penology

31st October 2006

Monash Law ChambersMelbourne

PRINCIPLE OBJECTIVES OF THE PROBATION AND PRINCIPLE OBJECTIVES OF THE PROBATION AND YOUTH JUSTICE RESEARCH UNITYOUTH JUSTICE RESEARCH UNIT

Foster and develop multi-disciplinary research within the Foster and develop multi-disciplinary research within the University between different departments and faculties, University between different departments and faculties, and in collaboration with other universities.and in collaboration with other universities.Seek to obtain research funding from government, public Seek to obtain research funding from government, public organisations in criminal justice, independent research organisations in criminal justice, independent research trusts and for profit companies, and publish the results.trusts and for profit companies, and publish the results. Increase the number of research students registered.Increase the number of research students registered.Contribute to the development of: evidence and Contribute to the development of: evidence and intelligence-led practice, more effective interventions, intelligence-led practice, more effective interventions, improved policy making, and provide direct consultation improved policy making, and provide direct consultation to key agencies. Assist in providing greater public to key agencies. Assist in providing greater public assurance and safety from crime. assurance and safety from crime.

Two Recent Research Studies undertaken by the UnitTwo Recent Research Studies undertaken by the Unit

1.Intensive Supervision and Surveillance Programme (ISSP) for Young 1.Intensive Supervision and Surveillance Programme (ISSP) for Young Offenders for the Youth Justice Board (YJB) for England and WalesOffenders for the Youth Justice Board (YJB) for England and Wales

2. Intensive Prolific Offenders Project (IRIS) for the Thames Valley 2. Intensive Prolific Offenders Project (IRIS) for the Thames Valley PolicePolice

Both projects have involved the employment of full-time research Both projects have involved the employment of full-time research officers from a wide range of academic backgrounds, and the officers from a wide range of academic backgrounds, and the overall research design, analysis and write-up has been overseen overall research design, analysis and write-up has been overseen by : by : a senior group of academics from the Universities of Oxford and a senior group of academics from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge including: three criminologists, one neurological and one Cambridge including: three criminologists, one neurological and one behavioural psychologist, an adolescent psychiatrist, a physiologist behavioural psychologist, an adolescent psychiatrist, a physiologist specialising in learning handicaps, two educationalists, a criminal specialising in learning handicaps, two educationalists, a criminal and human rights lawyer ,a social worker and an economist and human rights lawyer ,a social worker and an economist specialising in cost benefit analysis.specialising in cost benefit analysis.

The ISSP Research StudyThe ISSP Research Study

YJB commissioned a multi-dimensional evaluation of the first 41 YJB commissioned a multi-dimensional evaluation of the first 41 schemes across England and Wales.schemes across England and Wales.Three key national objectives:Three key national objectives: to reduce the rate of re-offending in the target group of persistent to reduce the rate of re-offending in the target group of persistent and serious young offenders by 5%, and to reduce the seriousness and serious young offenders by 5%, and to reduce the seriousness of any re-offending.of any re-offending.To tackle underlying problems of the young people in an effective To tackle underlying problems of the young people in an effective manner, with particular emphasis on education and training.manner, with particular emphasis on education and training.To demonstrate that supervision and surveillance is being To demonstrate that supervision and surveillance is being undertaken consistently and rigorously, and in ways which will re-undertaken consistently and rigorously, and in ways which will re-assure sentencers and the community of their credibility and likely assure sentencers and the community of their credibility and likely success.success.

CONTINUEDCONTINUED

The ISSP consisted of either six or twelve months of The ISSP consisted of either six or twelve months of intensive supervision and electronic surveillance, either intensive supervision and electronic surveillance, either as part of a community sentence or after time in youth as part of a community sentence or after time in youth custody, requiring a minimum of 25 hours contact custody, requiring a minimum of 25 hours contact additional to school, training or work attendance.additional to school, training or work attendance.The research involved a sample of 4,000 young people The research involved a sample of 4,000 young people on ISSP, and a comparison group of over a 1,000 from on ISSP, and a comparison group of over a 1,000 from non- experimental locations, followed up for two years non- experimental locations, followed up for two years post sentence or release from custody ( a random post sentence or release from custody ( a random allocation trial was proposed but the YJB considered it allocation trial was proposed but the YJB considered it would be unacceptable to the general public)would be unacceptable to the general public)

Key Findings from the ISSP Research StudyKey Findings from the ISSP Research Study

Targeting of 6 month ISSP cases was Targeting of 6 month ISSP cases was estimated to be reasonably accurate (7% estimated to be reasonably accurate (7% net-widening ), but the 12 month cases net-widening ), but the 12 month cases attracted massive net-widening (42%) attracted massive net-widening (42%) particularly from the Crown Courtparticularly from the Crown Court

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Young Offenders on ISSP were mostly very disadvantaged an Young Offenders on ISSP were mostly very disadvantaged an damageddamagedAverage age was 16.4 years, but average reading age was 10.5 Average age was 16.4 years, but average reading age was 10.5 yearsyearsMean number of convicted offences in previous 12 months at liberty Mean number of convicted offences in previous 12 months at liberty was 9.8 per offender, and 84% had already served a custody was 9.8 per offender, and 84% had already served a custody sentencesentence15% were currently of no fixed abode, a further 12% were in the 15% were currently of no fixed abode, a further 12% were in the local government care and 39% were on of the local “at risk “ local government care and 39% were on of the local “at risk “ register register Of those of school attending age (under 17 years),78% were not Of those of school attending age (under 17 years),78% were not receiving any type of formal educationreceiving any type of formal education12% had been diagnosed with a mental health condition, 18% 12% had been diagnosed with a mental health condition, 18% reported deliberate self-harming in the previous 12 months, and 9% reported deliberate self-harming in the previous 12 months, and 9% were known to have attempted suicidewere known to have attempted suicide

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At least 37 out of 41 schemes struggled At least 37 out of 41 schemes struggled throughout to provide 25 hours of meaningful throughout to provide 25 hours of meaningful contact with the young people per weekcontact with the young people per week

Mean was 22 hours for 6 month ISSP casesMean was 22 hours for 6 month ISSP cases

Mean was only 17 hours for 12 month ISSP Mean was only 17 hours for 12 month ISSP casescases

Major problems of service delivery were in Major problems of service delivery were in relation to: accommodation, drug abuse relation to: accommodation, drug abuse treatment, and mental health issuestreatment, and mental health issues

CONTINUEDCONTINUED

Surveillance largely involved electronic devicesSurveillance largely involved electronic devices66% were on electronic curfew tags for a 66% were on electronic curfew tags for a minimum of 3 monthsminimum of 3 months12% were subject to electronic voice verification12% were subject to electronic voice verification9% were on both forms of electronic systems9% were on both forms of electronic systems18% were humanly tracked only18% were humanly tracked only41% were electronically monitored and humanly 41% were electronically monitored and humanly trackedtracked The research showed that only in monitoring The research showed that only in monitoring with electronic and human contacts was there with electronic and human contacts was there any positive benefits, and only in 9% of all casesany positive benefits, and only in 9% of all cases

CONTINUEDCONTINUED

Re-offending and reconvictionRe-offending and reconviction12 month reconviction rate was 89% and 24 month rate 12 month reconviction rate was 89% and 24 month rate was 94%was 94%Reductions in frequency of re-offending were 42% for Reductions in frequency of re-offending were 42% for community sentence and 35% for post-custody cases community sentence and 35% for post-custody cases over 24 monthsover 24 monthsRe-offending gravity reduced by 15% for community Re-offending gravity reduced by 15% for community cases and 12% for custody cases over 24 monthscases and 12% for custody cases over 24 monthsBUT matched comparison group cases showed slightly BUT matched comparison group cases showed slightly lower reconviction rate,lower re-offending frequency and lower reconviction rate,lower re-offending frequency and lower re-offending gravity rateslower re-offending gravity rates

CLEAR CASE OF REGRESSION TO THE MEAN CLEAR CASE OF REGRESSION TO THE MEAN NOT EVIDENCE OF A TREATMENT EFFECTNOT EVIDENCE OF A TREATMENT EFFECT

CONTINUEDCONTINUED

Measurable impact on some underlying problems was more Measurable impact on some underlying problems was more encouragingencouragingEducation and training engagement increased by 11%Education and training engagement increased by 11%Family and close relationships improved by 10%Family and close relationships improved by 10%Thinking and pro-social attitudes and activities improved by 9%Thinking and pro-social attitudes and activities improved by 9%Accommodation situations improved in 8% of relevant casesAccommodation situations improved in 8% of relevant cases

HOWEVERHOWEVERDrug abuse reductions only occurred in 2% of relevant casesDrug abuse reductions only occurred in 2% of relevant casesMotivation to change and desist from re-offending occurred in 1%Motivation to change and desist from re-offending occurred in 1%In mental health case there was a -1% regression in treatment In mental health case there was a -1% regression in treatment provision and health improvement.provision and health improvement.

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Completion and Termination RatesCompletion and Termination RatesOverall average completion rate was 45% Overall average completion rate was 45% across all casesacross all casesOver 80% of the young people were breached at Over 80% of the young people were breached at some time on ISSPsome time on ISSP20% were breached and ordered not to continue20% were breached and ordered not to continue19% were terminated early due to re-offending19% were terminated early due to re-offending17% were terminated early for re-offending and 17% were terminated early for re-offending and breachesbreaches in 84% of cases who were terminated a in 84% of cases who were terminated a custodial sentence was madecustodial sentence was made

Costs of ISSPCosts of ISSP

The following data only applies to 6 month ISSP, 12 month case The following data only applies to 6 month ISSP, 12 month case

costs considerably more per head as there were few of them (250)costs considerably more per head as there were few of them (250)

Mean cost per young offender per start was £12,500Mean cost per young offender per start was £12,500Mean cost per person per completion was £32,000Mean cost per person per completion was £32,000At scheme level costs per start varied from £5,500 to £30,000 a At scheme level costs per start varied from £5,500 to £30,000 a personpersonAt scheme level costs per completion varied from£12,000 to At scheme level costs per completion varied from£12,000 to £80,500£80,500

COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS SHOWED BIG NEGATIVE RATIOS COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS SHOWED BIG NEGATIVE RATIOS ONLY 2 SCHEMES SHOWED SMALL AND LIMITED POSITIVE ONLY 2 SCHEMES SHOWED SMALL AND LIMITED POSITIVE FINANCIAL OUTCOMESFINANCIAL OUTCOMES

Overview of ISSP Research Study FindingsOverview of ISSP Research Study Findings

Huge variations in the quality of the different ISSP schemesHuge variations in the quality of the different ISSP schemesMinority of schemes ( 9 at the most ) showed some significant Minority of schemes ( 9 at the most ) showed some significant effects on under-lying problems and re-offendingeffects on under-lying problems and re-offendingMajority drowned out the achievements of the few to produce the Majority drowned out the achievements of the few to produce the overall discouraging resultsoverall discouraging resultsBest schemes appeared to have: clear models for practice (e.g. Best schemes appeared to have: clear models for practice (e.g. MST, Multi-dimensional Advocacy), good leadership, well trained MST, Multi-dimensional Advocacy), good leadership, well trained and enthusiastic staff, excellent collaboration with other local and enthusiastic staff, excellent collaboration with other local agencies (e.g. police, schools, employers, health services, agencies (e.g. police, schools, employers, health services, accommodation providers, drug treatment agencies )accommodation providers, drug treatment agencies )Worst schemes had confused managers, high staff turn-over, poor Worst schemes had confused managers, high staff turn-over, poor facilities, non-existent local collaborations with other key agenciesfacilities, non-existent local collaborations with other key agencies

OVERVIEW CONTINUEDOVERVIEW CONTINUED

Targeting Problems and confused objectivesTargeting Problems and confused objectives

Difficulties grew in defining persistent vs Difficulties grew in defining persistent vs serious young offendersserious young offenders

Ensuring proportionality and “Just desserts” in Ensuring proportionality and “Just desserts” in sentencing sentencing

Negative labelling effects on many young Negative labelling effects on many young person’s self-identityperson’s self-identity

Was reducing the young prison population the Was reducing the young prison population the prime hidden agenda ?prime hidden agenda ?

OVERVIEW CONTINUEDOVERVIEW CONTINUED

Intensification of Community Controls on Young PeopleIntensification of Community Controls on Young PeopleNet widening, mesh thinning and greater penetration in social controlNet widening, mesh thinning and greater penetration in social controlUp-tariffing by giving intrusive and demanding community penalties which Up-tariffing by giving intrusive and demanding community penalties which young offenders cannot comply with and then go to custodyyoung offenders cannot comply with and then go to custodyUnintended consequences on criminal careers of mixing together young Unintended consequences on criminal careers of mixing together young offenders who have different levels and types of offending experienceoffenders who have different levels and types of offending experienceOver-emphasis on surveillance with no positive dimensions, viewed by Over-emphasis on surveillance with no positive dimensions, viewed by young offenders as oppressive, negative and very punitive. Makes it a young offenders as oppressive, negative and very punitive. Makes it a shaming experience with no re-integrative dimension ( al a Braithwaite)shaming experience with no re-integrative dimension ( al a Braithwaite)Lost the proper balance between care, control, support, and coercionLost the proper balance between care, control, support, and coercionSome staff became unintentionally collusive in work with young people, Some staff became unintentionally collusive in work with young people, did not properly pro-socially model (al a Trotter), and may have actually did not properly pro-socially model (al a Trotter), and may have actually encourage deviance, non-compliance and ultimately further offending.encourage deviance, non-compliance and ultimately further offending.

BUT DOES MORE MEAN MORE EFFECTIVE ? CERTAINLY NOT IN ISSPBUT DOES MORE MEAN MORE EFFECTIVE ? CERTAINLY NOT IN ISSP

Prolific Offender Projects (POPS) in England & WalesProlific Offender Projects (POPS) in England & Wales

Since mid-1990’s gradual development of POPs Since mid-1990’s gradual development of POPs in more than a dozen Police Areasin more than a dozen Police AreasEarliest projects and research were in Earliest projects and research were in Lancashire and StaffordshireLancashire and StaffordshireUniversity of Oxford has done consultancy and University of Oxford has done consultancy and research in six of them:research in six of them:

Northumbria, Greater Manchester, Northumbria, Greater Manchester, Nottinghamshire, Avon & Somerset,Nottinghamshire, Avon & Somerset,

West Midlands and Thames Valley.West Midlands and Thames Valley.

Key Characteristics of POPS in England & WalesKey Characteristics of POPS in England & Wales

Police led, but staffed with experienced police and probation Police led, but staffed with experienced police and probation officers, located in local police stations.officers, located in local police stations.Local schemes using police and probation information for “profiling” Local schemes using police and probation information for “profiling” and identification of most prolific local offendersand identification of most prolific local offendersFully compliant with human rights legislation and use these rights to Fully compliant with human rights legislation and use these rights to inform offenders and others of their prolific offender statusinform offenders and others of their prolific offender statusCombine high levels of police and electronic monitoring with Combine high levels of police and electronic monitoring with intensive one-to-one supervision and other contacts (e.g. mobiles, intensive one-to-one supervision and other contacts (e.g. mobiles, police checks) by police and probation officers.police checks) by police and probation officers.Enforce strict compliance with police and court orders, community Enforce strict compliance with police and court orders, community sentence conditions, custody licences & parole, and electronic sentence conditions, custody licences & parole, and electronic curfews curfews

CONTINUEDCONTINUED

Ensure increased probability of arrests and convictions for any re-offending Ensure increased probability of arrests and convictions for any re-offending via greater and more effective use of intelligence-led police practice, and via greater and more effective use of intelligence-led police practice, and agreed information sharing between agenciesagreed information sharing between agenciesFast-tracked prosecution into court, advanced sentencing hearings, swift Fast-tracked prosecution into court, advanced sentencing hearings, swift enforcement of court and community sentence breaches, and rapid prison-enforcement of court and community sentence breaches, and rapid prison-recalls escorted to prisons by police officers.recalls escorted to prisons by police officers.Provides immediate support and help to designated offenders in prison and Provides immediate support and help to designated offenders in prison and outside to actively encourage desistance from crime, including :outside to actively encourage desistance from crime, including :

accommodation support, financial management ( e.g. bank accounts),accommodation support, financial management ( e.g. bank accounts), education and job-training placement, family relationship support (e.g. education and job-training placement, family relationship support (e.g.

partner support, child care support), faster access health care diagnosis and partner support, child care support), faster access health care diagnosis and referral. referral. Rapid access to community and residential drug and alcohol treatmentRapid access to community and residential drug and alcohol treatmentOffenders once designated as prolific can only be taken off POP if they are Offenders once designated as prolific can only be taken off POP if they are crime free for 12 months at libertycrime free for 12 months at liberty

POPS concentrate on having Multi-professional TeamsPOPS concentrate on having Multi-professional Teams

Police officers are mostly experienced detectives with Police officers are mostly experienced detectives with good local crime and community knowledge, probation good local crime and community knowledge, probation officers are of at least five years experience in the local officers are of at least five years experience in the local area. Teams usually include community drug specialists area. Teams usually include community drug specialists and other specialist civilians with strong local ties. Teams and other specialist civilians with strong local ties. Teams all operate in the same office and have knowledge of all operate in the same office and have knowledge of each other’s cases .each other’s cases .Different team members use their own professional Different team members use their own professional status to enforce orders and compliance, and to ensure status to enforce orders and compliance, and to ensure good communication back with their own agencies or good communication back with their own agencies or settings.settings.

Other characteristics of POPS in England & WalesOther characteristics of POPS in England & Wales

Local POP’s have strong links and support from local Local POP’s have strong links and support from local legal professionals: judges, magistrates, court clerks, legal professionals: judges, magistrates, court clerks, Crown Prosecution Service, and defence lawyersCrown Prosecution Service, and defence lawyersDespite greatly increased levels of surveillance and Despite greatly increased levels of surveillance and monitoring there are very few complaints from monitoring there are very few complaints from designated offenders of harassment, due to strict human designated offenders of harassment, due to strict human rights compliance in all dealings with themrights compliance in all dealings with themProvides a classic form of “carrot and stick” model of Provides a classic form of “carrot and stick” model of offender management. If offenders continue to offend offender management. If offenders continue to offend they are arrested more quickly and processed more they are arrested more quickly and processed more rapidly. If they want to begin to desist from crime, the rapidly. If they want to begin to desist from crime, the support from the police and key others is high quality, support from the police and key others is high quality, instantly available and well supported by other key instantly available and well supported by other key agencies and officialsagencies and officials

Comparisons made of criminal careers of prolific offendersComparisons made of criminal careers of prolific offenders

Compared offenders in the IRIS cohort and the matched Compared offenders in the IRIS cohort and the matched comparison sample, by analysing their known criminal comparison sample, by analysing their known criminal record and the types of offences committed, their record and the types of offences committed, their location and circumstances, whether they had led to a location and circumstances, whether they had led to a court conviction, or only had resulted in an arrest, and court conviction, or only had resulted in an arrest, and whether the offences had been later admitted to and whether the offences had been later admitted to and brought before a court ( TIC’d –taken into consideration). brought before a court ( TIC’d –taken into consideration). Measured time by separate weeks at liberty, to be able Measured time by separate weeks at liberty, to be able to exclude periods in custody on remand or sentenced to exclude periods in custody on remand or sentenced when they would have been incapacitated (i.e. could not when they would have been incapacitated (i.e. could not offend in the community) offend in the community)

OFFENDINGCOMPARISONS CONTINUEDOFFENDINGCOMPARISONS CONTINUED

Examined their offending careers over the 24 months at Examined their offending careers over the 24 months at liberty pre-IRIS against the 12 and 24 month periods at liberty pre-IRIS against the 12 and 24 month periods at liberty since they commenced on IRIS, or for they same liberty since they commenced on IRIS, or for they same time period at liberty for the comparison group.time period at liberty for the comparison group.

Constructed from police and probation records Individual Constructed from police and probation records Individual Case Profiles with time-lining week by week on different Case Profiles with time-lining week by week on different characteristics. These can be used for individual single-characteristics. These can be used for individual single-case studies or for collective analysis.case studies or for collective analysis.

First 20 offenders put on IRIS had in the 24 months at First 20 offenders put on IRIS had in the 24 months at liberty pre-IRIS been convicted in courts of 269 offences liberty pre-IRIS been convicted in courts of 269 offences (excluding road traffic offences) and had admitted to in (excluding road traffic offences) and had admitted to in court a further 384 separate offences.court a further 384 separate offences.

CONTINUEDCONTINUED

The most commonly convicted offences were: The most commonly convicted offences were: robbery, aggravated and domestic burglary, robbery, aggravated and domestic burglary, thefts of and from cars, thefts from shops and thefts of and from cars, thefts from shops and persons, deception and fraud, serious motoring persons, deception and fraud, serious motoring offences (e.g. death by dangerous driving, offences (e.g. death by dangerous driving, excess alcohol and/or drug use), assaults, excess alcohol and/or drug use), assaults, woundings and criminal damage ( including woundings and criminal damage ( including arson ). Specialist Sex offenders were excluded arson ). Specialist Sex offenders were excluded from selection ,but some of the prolific offenders from selection ,but some of the prolific offenders had recent convictions for sexual crimes, mainly had recent convictions for sexual crimes, mainly against adult women. against adult women.

Key Findings on IRIS in the First Year of OperationKey Findings on IRIS in the First Year of Operation

Statistically significant reductions on all Statistically significant reductions on all measures used in analysis.measures used in analysis.Frequency and gravity of known offending in Frequency and gravity of known offending in IRIS cases had reduced, as had police IRIS cases had reduced, as had police intelligence reports of suspected offending.intelligence reports of suspected offending.Largest known offending reductions were for:Largest known offending reductions were for:Robberies down 81%Robberies down 81%All burglaries down 72%All burglaries down 72%Thefts of cars down 83%Thefts of cars down 83%Thefts from cars down 69%Thefts from cars down 69%

Continued Key Findings from IRISContinued Key Findings from IRIS

Improvements occurred in compliance rates in the IRIS group even Improvements occurred in compliance rates in the IRIS group even though there was far greater levels of surveillance, stop checks and though there was far greater levels of surveillance, stop checks and supervision contacts of all kinds.supervision contacts of all kinds.

In IRIS the monthly at liberty known re-offending rates dropped from In IRIS the monthly at liberty known re-offending rates dropped from

2.1 per offender to 0.8 –a 60% reduction2.1 per offender to 0.8 –a 60% reductionIn the Comparison group the rate only fell from 2.1 to 1.9 – a 5% In the Comparison group the rate only fell from 2.1 to 1.9 – a 5%

reduction reduction In the IRIS group breaches of Court Bail reduced from 1.8 to 0.15 per In the IRIS group breaches of Court Bail reduced from 1.8 to 0.15 per

offender per month at liberty, prison license and parole re-calls fell offender per month at liberty, prison license and parole re-calls fell from 0.45 to 0.25 per month, and curfew breaches dropped from from 0.45 to 0.25 per month, and curfew breaches dropped from 0.25 per month to 0.050.25 per month to 0.05

In the comparison group over the same time period the overall non-In the comparison group over the same time period the overall non-compliance rate actually slightly increased from 0.26 to 0.33 per compliance rate actually slightly increased from 0.26 to 0.33 per offender per month – a rise of 42%.offender per month – a rise of 42%.

Cost Benefit of IRIS: Key Findings After 12 MonthsCost Benefit of IRIS: Key Findings After 12 Months

Full running costs for first 20 offenders were £10, 250 Full running costs for first 20 offenders were £10, 250 per offender per offender Costs of known offences to victims and health services Costs of known offences to victims and health services was pre-IRIS £2,500 per offender per month at liberty was pre-IRIS £2,500 per offender per month at liberty Post- IRIS reduced to £790 per offender – a 67% Post- IRIS reduced to £790 per offender – a 67% reductionreductionCosts of known offences for police activity only reduced Costs of known offences for police activity only reduced from £450 per offender per month at liberty pre IRIS, to from £450 per offender per month at liberty pre IRIS, to £150 per offender per month post IRIS.£150 per offender per month post IRIS.A 66% reduction produced local police activity savings A 66% reduction produced local police activity savings for 20 offenders of over £65,000 in one year, the for 20 offenders of over £65,000 in one year, the equivalent of employing two new police officersequivalent of employing two new police officers

Cost Benefit Analysis : Continued Key FindingsCost Benefit Analysis : Continued Key Findings

Savings in the first 12 months from the full Savings in the first 12 months from the full economic costs of offences committed by only economic costs of offences committed by only the first 20 offenders on IRIS were :the first 20 offenders on IRIS were :

over £4,000 per offender per year at libertyover £4,000 per offender per year at libertyThe full Cost Benefit Ratio was 1.35 for full The full Cost Benefit Ratio was 1.35 for full running and set-up costs against all the known running and set-up costs against all the known offence reduction savings.offence reduction savings.The Cost Benefit Ratio was 0.60 of full running The Cost Benefit Ratio was 0.60 of full running and set-up costs, when only benefits to victims and set-up costs, when only benefits to victims and health services are included in calculations.and health services are included in calculations.

Initial Conclusions from some aspects of the IRIS Research FindingsInitial Conclusions from some aspects of the IRIS Research Findings

IRIS and other POPS targeting local prolific offenders are proving popular IRIS and other POPS targeting local prolific offenders are proving popular with local people, and are being embraced by police and probation areas for with local people, and are being embraced by police and probation areas for several reasons.several reasons.They are “tough” on crime involving known local prolific offenders. These They are “tough” on crime involving known local prolific offenders. These typically are only 7-9% of the known offenders but commonly account for typically are only 7-9% of the known offenders but commonly account for over 90% of the known local crimes, and also commit a disproportionate over 90% of the known local crimes, and also commit a disproportionate number of the most grave offences, including homicides, serious asaults, number of the most grave offences, including homicides, serious asaults, arsons, aggravated burglaries and car thefts, and armed robberies. They arsons, aggravated burglaries and car thefts, and armed robberies. They were measurably arrested more quickly and prosecutedwere measurably arrested more quickly and prosecuted

more successfully ( fewer acquittals), and sentenced more swiftly.more successfully ( fewer acquittals), and sentenced more swiftly.This type of humane toughness is cost effective in the use of scarce police This type of humane toughness is cost effective in the use of scarce police resources. They make a significant contribution to reducing local crime rates resources. They make a significant contribution to reducing local crime rates and meeting police targets for crime reduction of key offence types. The and meeting police targets for crime reduction of key offence types. The projects stick at individual offenders until the stop offending, so they keep projects stick at individual offenders until the stop offending, so they keep some individuals on their “books” for years and years. some individuals on their “books” for years and years. The police officers do not become social workers, they retain their detecting The police officers do not become social workers, they retain their detecting and interrogation skills, but they gain new sources of intelligence and interrogation skills, but they gain new sources of intelligence information. Offenders who resist can be shown to have reduced the information. Offenders who resist can be shown to have reduced the frequency and seriousness of their continued offending. frequency and seriousness of their continued offending.

Overview of the Conclusions from POPS Research Overview of the Conclusions from POPS Research

They do something positive to help offenders to desist and actually direct They do something positive to help offenders to desist and actually direct contribute to reducing re-offending, and making offenders to become useful contribute to reducing re-offending, and making offenders to become useful citizens. Offenders welcome the real support and practical help they get. citizens. Offenders welcome the real support and practical help they get. The multi-professional teams are really effective if the offender is motivated The multi-professional teams are really effective if the offender is motivated to change, and can offer rapid and meaningful assistance with such strong to change, and can offer rapid and meaningful assistance with such strong local police backing.local police backing.They are actually tough on persistent criminals: 9% of offenders commit They are actually tough on persistent criminals: 9% of offenders commit over 90% of known crimes and account for a disproportional number of the over 90% of known crimes and account for a disproportional number of the most serious offences. They arrest quickly and process and sentence more most serious offences. They arrest quickly and process and sentence more swiftly, and save the police and other criminal justice agencies money.swiftly, and save the police and other criminal justice agencies money.They provide what we know the public wants: crime reduction and less fear They provide what we know the public wants: crime reduction and less fear of being a victim, but also direct offender supervision which puts them on of being a victim, but also direct offender supervision which puts them on the “ straight and narrow”. They help the police to do a difficult job better, the “ straight and narrow”. They help the police to do a difficult job better, probation to be more effective and other agencies to meet their objectives probation to be more effective and other agencies to meet their objectives with a hard to reach group of clients.with a hard to reach group of clients.They appear to produce some “win, win “ outcomes police, probation, other They appear to produce some “win, win “ outcomes police, probation, other agencies and the public.agencies and the public.

Concluding Comments on Multi-professional Research in Concluding Comments on Multi-professional Research in Criminal JusticeCriminal Justice

A Multi- professional research consortium has the potential to contribute in different wayA Multi- professional research consortium has the potential to contribute in different way

It has all the advantages of intellectual co-operation:It has all the advantages of intellectual co-operation:Wider base of publications, journals and inter-disciplinary books,Wider base of publications, journals and inter-disciplinary books,Wider range of theoretical and methodological techniques and approachesWider range of theoretical and methodological techniques and approachesSharing expertise and wider knowledge, and greater evidence-basedSharing expertise and wider knowledge, and greater evidence-basedKnowledge and evidence development:Knowledge and evidence development:Practical expertise transfer from different disciplinesPractical expertise transfer from different disciplinesPolicy implications arising from multi-dimensional approachesPolicy implications arising from multi-dimensional approachesImproved theoretical models to assist in better practice and policy makingImproved theoretical models to assist in better practice and policy makingIt can achieve an overall widening and improvement of services to contracted clients and funding It can achieve an overall widening and improvement of services to contracted clients and funding bodies.bodies. Improves chances of renewed contracts and wider range of and stability on contracted work for Improves chances of renewed contracts and wider range of and stability on contracted work for research staff and research students ( Masters and Doctorates)research staff and research students ( Masters and Doctorates)Contributes to improved offender management and crime reduction Contributes to improved offender management and crime reduction Helps ensure better services to victims and reduced victimisation,Helps ensure better services to victims and reduced victimisation,Assists in managing and delivering more efficient and effective criminal justice agencies,Assists in managing and delivering more efficient and effective criminal justice agencies, Most importantly it can help deliver greater public assurance and safetyMost importantly it can help deliver greater public assurance and safety