Varying the Reporting Frequency

Introduction

Any decision to change the normal reporting frequency must be approved:

• by the service manager, when increasing reporting frequency
• by the area manager, when reducing reporting frequency

Fully document the reasons in IOMS casenotes.

Increasing reporting frequency

If the offender’s behaviour or circumstances change and it is considered that their risk of re-offending has increased (e.g. re-offending, increase in use of alcohol or other drugs, family crisis), then:

• get service manager approval to increase the reporting frequency
• revisit the offender plan
• investigate further interventions with the offender.

Reducing reporting frequency

There must be exceptional circumstances before consideration should be given to reducing the reporting frequency to less than the minimum required for the offender’s sentence/phase requirements.

Note: Exceptional circumstances can include those offenders on residential programmes or those held under the Mental Health Act 1992.

Area manager’s approval is required to reduce the reporting frequency below the minimum reporting requirements.

Reference: This volume, part III, chapter 1, the topic Minimum Reporting Requirements.

Offenders on compassionate release

The New Zealand Parole Board (NZPB) may have set a special condition relating to the reporting for an offender released on compassionate grounds.

Example: The NZPB may dismiss the requirement for reporting.

In all other situations, offenders released on compassionate grounds will require a reporting regime which reflects their individual circumstances.

Examples that the probation officer may consider include:

• home visits by the probation officer to the offender, and
• an increased liaison with significant others involved in the management/support of the offender (e.g. general practitioner, health care provider).

An application should be made to the NZPB for variation of any condition of release with which the offender is unable to comply.

Note: Before implementing any changes to the reporting requirements, this should be discussed with the service manager.

Extended supervision

Decisions to reduce reporting of offenders subject to ES should only be made after a formal review (unless returning to regular reporting after a temporary period of increased reporting).

Area manager approval is required to reduce the reporting frequency below the minimum reporting requirements.

Reference: This part, chapter 8 Formal Review for Extended Supervision.