First Contact

First contact with the probation service could be as the result of a court order, during your stay within a prison or the result of a family court ruling.

The system has to be flexible in order to provide ongoing protection to the population, until you reach the limit of your length of sentence.

They are NOT your friend and do not think that anything said to them will not get back to the prison officers or anyone else they feel is appropriate for them to discuss your details with.

DO NOT say anything you do not have to, as in; any people you know, or anything you wish to do when you get out, not yet anyway! Later you can suggest where you would like to go when released, or what family you have left, needs you to be back with them. It is just as important for you to know you can expect a fair deal from your probation officer as it is for them to know you WILL keep to the rules they will make when you are released or during your community service.

If you cannot make an appointment on time contact them, THIS is so very important, as is never arrive for a meeting drunk. If inside prison be presentable and try to understand their need for a simple life! you may expect them to become more involved as your time for release gets closer, or your time doing service comes to an end.