This topic covers the main considerations when interviewing the offender to prepare a reparation report.
Before the interview
Before interviewing the offender, review relevant information gathered before the victim interview.
Initial meeting with offender
At the initial meeting with the offender, the following must be completed:
- Explain the purpose of the reparation sentence (record on the checklist that this was done).
- Obtain the address and contact telephone number of the offender, if they are on bail.
- Obtain details of the offender's employer (employer details are not included in the reparation report but in the attachment outlining the offender's financial circumstances).
- Investigate the offender's means and financial obligations.
- Obtain an initial estimate for the amount of loss or damage, where possible.
- Establish whether reparation is possible.
- Ascertain the offender's view on paying reparation.
- Advise the offender of a possible meeting with the victim and seek their consent to such a meeting.
- Inform the offender that a probation officer will contact them after the victim has been consulted.
