We haven’t heard much about probation in Coronavirus crisis. But @CommonsJustice hears staff are facing “massively increased workload” because of need for more contact with offenders & fresh risk assessments

Ian Lawrence, from Probation Union @Napo_News says social distancing rules can’t be adhered to in approved premises (Probation hostels or bail hostels) where many offenders live. Concerns remain about access to protective equipment.

Katie Lomas, Chair of @Napo_News, says probation managers are “overwhelmed” & can’t provide support to frontline teams, bail accommodation service is “creaking under the pressure”. She foresees “tensions” between need to free prisoners & find suitable & safe accommodation

Lomas identifies a problem with early release scheme. She says electronic monitoring providers won’t fit tags in households where someone has Covid-19 symptoms so offender will be sent back to prison. Also, offenders on early release aren’t subject to probation supervision

Justin Russell, Chief Probation Inspector, paints a gloomy picture to @CommonsJustice. Doorstep checks on offenders are a “poor substitute” for face-to-face visits. Warns of “huge “ unpaid work backlog as offenders can’t do it & offending behaviour programmes not completed ...

Russell’s main concern is harm to the public, with probation risk assessments already “poor”. We’ll “keep an eye on how they’re managing risk”. At the same time, probation staff numbers are expected to be “depressed”, he says, as staff & relatives self-isolate