Requests for Pre-sentence Reports

Front cover sheet

When pre-sentence reports (PSR) are requested, record the following information on a front cover sheet:

• name of the offender
• gender of the offender
• personal record number (PRN) if available
• driver's licence number if no PRN available
• offence(s)
• defence lawyer's name
• type of report(s)
• the date the report has been requested
• the date of sentencing
• the location and court for sentencing
• whether the offender is remanded on bail or in custody
• any other person who will require a copy of the report, and
• any other comments that may assist the report writer, including:
  • sentencing indications
  • special needs
  • interpreter requirements
  • other agencies involved, and/or
  • other reports that are available.

Note: Ensure the front sheet is clearly marked if a specialist report is required, e.g. alcohol and other drug assessment, psychological or forensic report.

Attach to front cover sheet

The following information should be received from the court registrar and attached to the front cover sheet:

• combined criminal and traffic history
• summary of facts
• victim impact statement (if available)
• references or letters submitted to the judge, and
• specialist reports received from the court.

Confirming offender details

Where possible, the practice of having the offender confirm their address and phone number prior to leaving the court should be observed. This can be done using the pre-sentence offender details and safety checklist.

Reference: The Offenders Details and Safety Checklist form can be found in the Forms and Tools section of the operations manual. 

The offender's details are not usually revealed in court and the address recorded on the summary of facts is often outdated.

Confirming the offender's contact details outside the courtroom can help minimise any delay in sentencing as a result of being unable to contact the offender for the PSR interview.

Safety

After confirming an offender's contact details, it is advisable to ask the safety questions. This is particularly important if the offender:

• appears unstable or emotionally distressed after the hearing
• informs you of any fears for their safety (particularly if being remanded in custody), or
• exhibits any signs of suicide or self-harm.

Note: An offender's family members or other court staff may also indicate any of these risk factors.

This safety checklist could be used in other situations at court to assess offender safety where CPPS staff consider it appropriate. The safety questions are the same as those contained in the screening section of the short and full assessment report interviews.

Reference: See the section on Safety Issues, for further details on where to find the safety questions, and what to do if safety concerns are identified.

Information sheet

An information sheet entitled 'Pre-sentence Information for Offenders' should be available in all CPPS offices located at court. The sheet can be given to offenders to inform them of the next step in the sentencing process and to book an interview if necessary.  This information sheet can also be found in Forms and Tools.