March 5th 2008 - A conversation with the Chief Probation officer.
The Chief Probation Officer on Anguilla Mrs Joycelyn Johnson Carty-(left) along with her Community Outreach Officer Ms Toya Carty spent the hour on Let's Talk, explaining the functions of their jobs. Although the job can be a bit demanding at times, the ladies seemed interested and extremely contented in their respective professions.
The Chief Officer explained why it was necessary to have a probations dept, and that probation is not just simply a slap on the wrist. She explained that the principal aim of the probation Department was to divert criminal offenders from prison, reduce their re-offending and re-integrate them into society. She mentioned that so far she has been very pleased with the level of achievement.
The Dept of Probation is presently trying to get business owners as well as private enterprises to take part in the program and do their part in helping rehabilitate offenders. Mrs Johnson Carty mentioned that they have a list of probationers who are ready for community service so therefore the help of the entire community is needed.
Ultimately, the desired outcome of community corrections is to ensure that, upon completing the program, ex-offenders will be less likely to continue any criminal behavior, thus aiding in crime reduction.
Crime reduction is something which will benefit us all, and help our lovely island paradise maintain its paradise status.
If you have questions or would like more information please contact the Department of Probation at the following address
Department of Probation
Hughes Building
PO Box 60
The Valley, Anguilla
Tel: (264) 497 7343
Fax: (264) 497 7370