Napo hits out at probation machine

Probation union Napo has criticised plans to replace probation staff with machines in a bid to save money. Under the proposals, freed offenders and those on community orders would no longer report to members of staff but would answer questions posed by a machine.

Harry Fletcher, Napo’s assistant general secretary, said many members of staff had initially thought the proposal was a hoax. He added that the plans are “extraordinary” and would damage the reputation of the probation service. According to an internal policy document, the scheme could increase the risk of reoffending since the machine might be unable to detect whether an offender poses an increased risk. Offenders are also likely to receive less support from a machine than through face-to-face contact, the document found, adding that the “removal of contact may remove the potential for an early warning of escalation of risk”. However, executives believe the scheme, which is already in use in the US, could help cut back red tape and give staff more time to carry out other tasks.

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