Supervising Offenders

Introduction

This topic covers the policy and procedures for the general management and supervision of offenders on a day-to-day basis.

Guidelines

The following policy applies to supervising offenders:

• supervising staff must ensure that offenders serve the sentence as directed by the court
• the site in which offenders are required to work must be safe
• all offenders must be supervised at all times during reporting hours, and
• staff supervising community work placements must ensure that the behaviour of the offenders is of a high standard at all times.

Supervision ratio

When supervising offenders, the ratio policy on the required number of staff to offenders must be observed at all times. Work parties, whether CWC or CWA placement, must not exceed a ratio of ten offenders to one staff member.

Staff gender

Where other staffing considerations permit, it is desirable that the gender of the CWC/agency staff should be to the same general ratio or proportion as the gender of the offenders.

Constant supervision

Offenders on a CWC placement may not be left unsupervised by a community work supervisor or probation officer at any time during CW hours, whether at the CWC or at a worksite.

Supervision at a CWA placement must be sufficient to ensure that compliance and safety is maintained.

Use of toilet facilities

When an offender wishes to use the toilet facilities, they notify the community work supervisor. The supervisor investigates only if the offender does not return within a reasonable time.

Meal breaks

During attendance at a CWA or CWC, an offender will be entitled to:

• morning tea - a 10 minute tea break after completing two hours CW, and
• lunch - a 30 minute break after completing four hours CW. This break will count towards hours completed, provided the offender resumes work for a minimum of two hours (total of six hours or more).

On occasion, audit checks will be made to ensure that breaks occur as above.

Note: Afternoon tea is not mandatory, but the work party/agency supervisor may give a 10-minute break as an incentive.

Provision of meals

For CWA placement, meals are to be provided by the offender.

For CWC placement, the centre will provide refreshments for offenders. The centre will provide meals for offenders working six hours or more.

Statutory holidays

Offenders will not be required to perform CW on statutory holidays.

Legislative reference: Section 66 Sentencing Act 2002.