Our History

HLNY CRC comprises of three former probation trusts, all of which were consistently high performers, dedicated to demonstrating excellence.

Although newly formed in 2014, we are the latest step in a long heritage of Probation Services dating back to its early origins in Victorian times which led to the Probation Service being formed in 1907.

Our profession has grown and evolved considerably over the years; however we have held fast to the belief that everyone has the capacity to change, which remains one of our key values today.

If you wish to learn more about the history of probation, please read the official publication “A Century Of Cutting Crime 1907-2007” (.pdf).

1870s

Frederick Rainer makes a five shilling donation to the Church of England Temperance Society to help break the cycle of offence after offence and sentence after sentence. The Society appoints a ‘missionary’ to Southwark court and the London Police Court Mission is born.

1880s

The mission opens homes and shelters - but the Probation of First Offenders Act 1887 contains no element of offender supervision.

1900s

The Probation Service is formally established in 1907. Between 1910 and 1930 the prison population halves, probation has played a major part.

1920s

The 1925 Criminal Justice Act establishes probation committees and the appointment of probation officers becomes a requirement of the courts.

1940s

The 1948 Criminal Justice Act introduces prison after-care and provides for funding of Probation Homes and Hostels.

1950s

The Central Council of Probation - the forerunner of the Probation Association - is formed to speak with one voice for all employee probation committees. Home Secretary Rab Butler attends and says: “I think that your service is perhaps the most devoted in the country.”

1960s

Work in prisons has become an integral part of the Probation Service’s task. In 1966 the number of probation areas is reduced from 104 to 84 and a year later the Criminal Justice Act introduces parole supervision.

1970s

Community Service Orders are introduced in 1972, designed to be punitive in depriving the offender of leisure time, but constructive in benefiting the community and changing the offender’s outlook.

1980s

The Carlisle Review of Parole proposes a coherent system for supervised early release from prison and an Audit Commission Review produces a framework for probation intervention.

1990s

The Criminal Justice Act 1991 gives the Probation Service the lead on all manner of new community sentences. In 1998 a new administration introduces legislative changes,

including drug testing orders and new youth justice provision. Electronic tagging arrives.

 

2000s

The Carter Report proposes an entirely different approach for offender management, with a unified prison and probation service. 2001 The 54 probation areas are reduced to 42 to achieve co-terminosity with other criminal justice agencies. The service operates under a National Directorate, directly accountable to the Home Secretary.

2002

Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) come into force, placing a responsibility upon probation staff, in partnership with the police, prison service and others, to protect the public from sexual and violent offenders.

2003

All case work and all reports to include an assessment of risk of dangerousness of offenders.

2004

An amalgamation of prison and probation services with the forming of a National Offender Management Service (NOMS).

2005

The Management of Offenders and Sentencing Bill is introduced in the House of Lords.

2006

The results of the Home Office consultation on its proposals for probation are published.

2007

The service celebrates its centenary. The creation of probation trusts is enshrined in the Offender Management Act.

2008

Moves continue towards a more competitive environment for probation through the creation of public sector trusts.

2009

The Probation Association is 50 years old.

2010

From April 1, the 34 probation areas and eight trusts that existed through 2009 become 35 self-governing probation trusts accountable to the Secretary of State for Justice through 10 regional Directors of Offender Management.

2014

From 1 June 2014 the Probation Service split into two organisations; the biggest shake up in probation history.

Today the rehabilitation of offenders across England and Wales is managed and delivered by 21 regional Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRCs) and the new National Probation Service (NPS), instead of 35 probation trusts.

CRC’s and the NPS work collaboratively to reduce reoffending and keep communities safe - but the focus of each, and the types of cases they manage, differs.

With thanks and acknowledgements to the Probation Association.