Project targets re-offenders

With figures showing that over half of all crime is committed by re-offenders, partners have come together in Powys to introduce an initiative aimed at reducing that figure.

The Powys Reducing Offending Project (PROP) comes under the auspices of Integrated Offender Management Cymru, an overarching framework that aims to reduce reoffending across Wales.

PROP is aimed at the management of priority groups of high risk offenders with the ultimate goal being to work with local delivery partners and jointly reduce crime, reduce levels of re-offending and improve public confidence in the criminal justice system.

It also aims to tackle the social exclusion faced by offenders and their families, recognising that all these factors are interconnected.

“I am confident that PROP will further enhance the high level of satisfaction and confidence our communities have in our response,” said Superintendent Richard Lewis. “However, this will only be achieved through everyone contributing towards the management of offenders.

“PROP will contribute towards addressing our current priorities of preventing and tackling crime and disorder, protecting the vulnerable and in bringing people to justice.”

PROP will identify those offenders who represent the highest levels of risk, threat and harm to the communities of Powys, and embark upon an intensive engagement process with individuals aimed at breaking the cycle of offending.

Specially trained members of staff, on a multi-agency basis, will work with the identified cohort of offenders and seek to direct them out of the criminal justice system and into pathways of support which could include employment, education, training, accommodation as well as providing support for those suffering problems resulting from substance misuse.

The scheme says that this is “no soft option” with offenders “left in no doubt that they must face up to their responsibilities or face the consequences”.

The Powys Community Safety Partnership (CSP) is made up of a number of agencies including Police, Probation, Powys County Council, Fire and Rescue Service, Powys Teaching Health Board, Powys Youth Justice Service and Powys Association of Voluntary Organisation (PAVO).