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How probation works
 
The National Probation Service is divided into 35 regional probation trusts in England and Wales. Each regional trust is responsible for the people who are on probation in their area.
If you are placed on probation, you must not break the rules and requirements of your community sentence or your ‘release licence’ (the terms under which you were released) from prison. If you break those rules, you could be sent to prison.
While on probation, you must attend regular meetings with your probation officers. You get only one warning if you fail to show up. If you miss another meeting after that, you will be sent back to court, and can receive more punishment.
You may also be ordered to abide by other rules including:
  • completing alcohol and drug treatment
  • living in a probation hostel
  • staying away from the area where you committed the crime
  • obeying a curfew
  • wearing an electronic tag
Who is put on probation
 
Convicted criminals are likely to be put on probation (which is legally known as being put 'under the supervision of probation') when:
  • a judge or magistrate gives them a community sentence
  • the Parole Board decides that they can be released early from their jail sentence
What probation officers do
 
Probation officers work with people serving time on probation and their families to reduce the chance that they might commit more crimes.
If you’re placed on probation, your probation officer will:
  • monitor your activities
  • help you deal with problems such as drug and alcohol addiction
  • let the court know of any problems they see in your behaviour
They can also require you to get help for emotional problems, such as anger management.