Straw criticises probation staff
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jack Straw, the Home Secretary, yesterday told probation officers not to side with criminals, in a speech which implied that public safety was not the first priority of some officers. His remarks were immediately rebutted by probation staff leaders.
The attack on the Probation Service is seen as part of a strategy to toughen up community sentences and ensure they are not seen by the public as a soft option. With a rising prison population Mr Straw is expected to turn to community punishments.
In his first formal speech to probation staff he told a conference in Essex: "There should be no question of your taking the side of the offender against the community. The probation service should not be following an agenda which is separate from that of the communities which you serve."
He added: "The Probation Service's priority is protecting the public. There can be no fudging of that."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
0Comments