Media coverage in 2011
Transcript of World at One coverage of reoffending
Huddersfield Examiner article on Integrated Offender Management
Brighouse Echo - Bikers breathe life back into damaged BMX track
Brighouse Echo - Scheme helps put something back
Please see the links on the left to access some of the coverage listed below:
Burglar back behind bars
Yorkshire Evening Post, 19 December 2011
Front page article about effective partnership working between probation and police to arrest and jail a burglar who broke the terms of his licence.
We'll keep you on the straight and narrow
Halifax Courier, 14 December 2011
Photo story about the success of volunteer mentors being trained to support those sentenced to an Intensive Community Order. The volunteers had finished their training and received certificates.
Probation boss answers your questions
Batley and Birstall News, Dewsbury Reporter, Mirfield Reporter, Spenborough Guardian, 9 December 2011
Kathy Loney, Head of Kirklees Probation answers readers' questions.
Problem drinker jailedfor punching youth unconsious
Yorkshire Post, 14 December 2011
An article about a problem drinker being jailed who acknowledged that Probation Officers "were right to identify drinking as a problem and he had taken steps to drastically reduce his intake."
Politically speaking
Wakefield Express, 25 November 2011
Ed Balls writes of his visit to Probation in his regular column, saying that "Rob Voakes and his team do a fantastic job and work with around 2,000 people every year... Probation Officers are true unsung heroes. Each probation success keeps someone out of prison and saves the taxpayer a fortune."
Danger to women is locked up for breach
Telegraph and Argus, 17 November 2011
Quote from Probation Officer, Billy Devonport in an article about swift action taken to breach a violent offender.
Crime survey is welcome boost
Telegraph and Argus, 16 November 2011
Good news about reducing reoffending rates in Bradford, which have reduced by 13.92% in comparison to predicted rates. The rate is 8.68%
Lucky to escape prison
Huddersfield Examiner, 12 November 2011
An article about an offender sentenced to an Intensive Community Order, the first such order to be given in Huddersfield.
Chief open for questions
Batley News, 3 November 2011
Request for questions for Kathy Loney, head of Kirklees Probation, in a regular question and answer feature.
A payback clean up
Yorkshire Evening Post, 3 November 2011
Information about a Community Payback project cleaning up graffiti in Hyde Park, Leeds.
Crime cooperation boosts safety / Number of sex offenders in region nears 4,000
Yorkshire Post, 28 October 2011
Two articles about the new MAPPA (Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements) statistics. Both articles quote Mark Siddall, director of operations. One focuses on the increased number of sex offenders and Mark reiterates that 'a known sex offender is a safer sex offender'. The second article looked at the effective partnership work in MAPPA including police, prisons and probation.
Convicted offenders committed 510,000 crimes within a year
The Guardian, 27 October 2011
Article about the new Probation statistics. The article highlighted West Yorkshire Probation having the second largest fall in reoffending rates since 2005 (after Staffordshire and the West Midlands).
Probation service is as good as gold
Yorkshire Evening Post, 24 October 2011
Short article about the Probation Gold Award from the British Quality Foundation.
Probation help 'changed life'
Keighley News, 21 October 2011
Article about a service user turning their life around thanks to support from Keighley Probation.
Probation gold win
Wakefield Express, 21 October 2011
Article about Probation being awarded the Gold Medal by the British Quality Federation including an interview with Sue Hall.
Offenders work on sports centre
Spenborough Guardian, 20 October 2011
Article about a Community Payback project which helped turn a dilapidated children's nursery into a sports club and community centre.
Warning on alcohol driven home - case studies
Telegraph and Argus, 19 October 2011
Two case studies of women on the Drink Impaired Drivers programme and an interview with course tutor, Carolyn Richardson, in a feature on alcohol abuse.
Probation team scoops gold medal
Telegraph and Argus, 19 October 2011
Short news item about the gold medal Probation was awarded by the British Quality Foundation.
Lets's look at the real evidence about what works in crime and punishment
Yorkshire Post, 19 October 2011
An opinion feature by Mark Siddall.
Litter picking
Telegraph and Argus, 3 October 2011
Small news piece about Community Payback teams taking part in a litter pick at Bowling Park and Emsley Park.
Commitment to equality reaps rewards for Gail
Yorkshire Evening Post, 29 September 2011
News article about Gail Mooney Revell's success in winning the equality and diversity award at the national Probation Awards.
Gail's work recognised nationally
Telegraph and Argus, 28 September 2011
Article about the success of Gail Mooney Revell in winning the equality and diversity award at the national Probation Awards.
Crime fighters under pressure as units closed
Yorkshire Post, 17 September 2011
Comment from Mark Siddall in an article looking at cuts to police and probation and the impact for local communities.
Great outdoors
Huddersfield Examiner, 10 September 2011
A page article about the work Community Payback teams had done at Newsome care home
Tell us where more offenders can help
Huddersfield Examiner, 9 September
A letter to the editor in response to the vote saying more use should be made of Community Payback teams and giving information about how local people can nominate projects.
Huddersfield Examiner, 6 September 2011
Vote on whether more use should be made of Community Payback teams. The vote result was an overwhelming yes.
Criminals' work blooming good
Huddersfield Daily Examiner, 6 September 2011
Photo story about Community Payback teams tidying up gardens at care homes in Kirklees.
Community united in clean up of eye sore
Telegraph and Argus, 5 September 2011
An article about a clean up in Keighley including input from Community Payback teams.
Reoffending rate keeps on dropping
Halifax Courier, 1 September 2011
A feature article about the excellent reoffending rate in the district and information and Community Payback successes.
Probation service not soft on criminals
Huddersfield Daily Examiner, 30 August 2011
A letter to the editor from Kathy Loney addressing an earlier letter suggesting that the criminal justice system is 'soft on criminals'.
Ridings FM, 25 August
Interview with Community Payback manager, Mandy Walker, about what's happening in
Wakefield.
Probation in lead
Telegraph and Argus, 24 August 2011
Article noting that West Yorkshire Probation is 'one step ahead' in getting offenders to work intensively and up to 28 hours a week.
Jobless criminals to work all week
Yorkshire Evening Post, 24 August 2011
National news release about the new initiative to increase the maximum unpaid work hours to 28 per week. Includes a comment from Andrew Sinclair at West Yorkshire Probation to say this is already being implemented locally.
It's payback time
Huddersfield Examiner, 24 August 2011
Feature on the government announcement about increasing the hours offenders on Community Payback work. Includes statistics about Community Payback in Kirklees and a comment about what is already happening locally from Andrew Sinclair, West Yorkshire Probation's Community Payback Operations Manager.
Putting in the time
Huddersfield Examiner, 24 August 2011
An editorial about increasing the hours offenders can work on Community Payback, something already happening at West Yorkshire Probation.
Are the sentences being handed to rioters too harsh?
Yorkshire Evening Post, 19 August 2011
A feature article asking five local representatives, including Mark Siddall, director of operations at West Yorkshire Probation, their views on the sentencing of rioters. Mark suggested 'balance is key'.
'Halifax Agricultural Show'
Halifax Courier, 18 August 2011
An article about the success of the show including a thank you to Community Payback teams who help to pack up the show infrastructure.
'Trio smash ?1m appeal target'
Telegraph and Argus, 1 August 2011
An article about three friends, including Community Payback supervisor, Mohammed Sultan, who have raised more than ?1 million to help rebuild areas of Pakistan affected by the 2010 floods.
Probation staff allowed to use own judgement
Yorkshire Post, 29 July 2011
A letter to the editor from Sue Hall clarifying the amount of time Probation Officers spend on admin in light of the Justice Committee report's claim that 75% of time is spent on admin.
Honey bee project gives offenders a real buzz
Craven Herald, 28 July 2011
MP Julian Smith presenting certificates to offenders working on the Tarn Moor bee project.
Offenders transform community centre
Yorkshire Evening Post, 28 July 2011
Community Payback teams have renovated the Ramgarhia Sports and Leisure Centre in Chapeltown.
Radio Five Live, BBC regional radio stations
Interviews with Sue Hall, chief executive of West Yorkshire Probation and chair of the Probation Chiefs Association, about her view of the Justice Committee report on the role of Probation.
We want support from employers
Telegraph and Argus, 19 July 2011
An article about the impact of Irritable Bowel Disease including an interview with Probation Officer, Michelle Thompson, about how West Yorkshire Probation is helping her cope and still work.
How Bradford cabbies helped change lives of Pakistan flood victims
Daily Mirror, 4 July 2011
Information about Mohammed Sultan, a Community Payback supervisor, who is working with Islamic Relief to raise money for flood victims.
Offenders restore canal towpath
Yorkshire Post, 30 June 2011
Community Payback teams working with British Waterways to improve a canal towpath on the Aire and Calder canal.
Events were very informative
Telegraph and Argus, 26 June
A letter to the editor thanking the paper for organising the 'very informative' Local Crime Community Sentence event.
Police and wardens in day of action
Telegraph and Argus, 18 June 2011
Community Payback teams involved in litter picking during a local day of action in the Cross Lane and Haycliffe Road areas of Bradford.
Conference looks into sentencing
Telegraph and Argus, 17 June 2011
A report from the joint Local Crime Community Sentence event held in Bradford.
Chance to see how the courts sentence
Telegraph and Argus, 14 June 2011
Article about a Local Crime Community Sentence event run in partnership with the newspaper.
Reoffending rates are cut
Halifax Courier, 10 June 2011
Coverage of the 9% reduction in reoffending rates in Calderdale.
Offenders staying away from trouble
Telegraph and Argus, 9 June 2011
Information about Bradford Probation's success in reducing reoffending.
Ex-offender: short sentences do not work
Sky News, 8 June 2011
A Leeds offender believes that Community Sentences or longer jail terms are better at rehabilitating offenders.
Dozens of crimes stopped
Huddersfield Examiner, 8 June 2011
An article about a reduction in the reoffending rate for Kirklees Probation.
Hundreds of years of rubbish cleared from the River Aire
Telegraph and Argus, 3 June 2011
Article about Community Payback teams helping the Environment Agency as part of flood defence improvements.
Scheme helps to give something back
Brighouse Echo, 2 June 2011
A feature about the positive impact of Community Payback for local groups and offenders.
Bikers breathe life back into damaged BMX track
Brighouse Echo, 28 April 2011
An article about Community Payback teams working alongside the council and young people to redevelop a local BMX track.
What women want ... real lives
Wakefield Express, 27 May 2011
A feature about the work Wakefield Probation is doing with women offenders. The feature includes interviews with Probation staff and a woman offender who has been supported to turn her back on offending and restart her education.
Association is buzzing over plan to protect bees
Craven Herald, 19 May 2011
A news story about the innovative project whereby offenders are learning skills while helping to build a sanctuary for honey bees in the southern Dales.
Be the judge at courts debate
Telegraph and Argus, 24 May 2011
Article inviting members of the public to attend the Local Crime Community Sentence event jointly organised by the paper and West Yorkshire Probation. The event provides an insight into sentencing and the impact of community sentences.
Sentencing insight will be invaluable
Telegraph and Argus, 24 May 2011
Editorial comment about the importance of members of the public learning more about the sentencing of criminals through the Local Crime Community Sentence event.
Stopping women's crime
Huddersfield Examiner, 14 May 2011
News article about additional funding for projects working with women offenders in West Yorkshire.
The Bradford scheme putting culprits in the hot seat
Telegraph and Argus, 3 May 2011
A feature about the Bradford Restorative Justice scheme bringing together offenders and their victims with positive outcomes for both.
Scheme cuts reoffending
Yorkshire Evening Post, 3 May 2011
Short news article about the success of the U Turn initiative in Kirklees which has led to a reduction in reoffending.
Bikers breathe life back into damaged BMX track
Brighouse Echo, 29 April 2011
An article about a Community Payback project working with the council and young people to redevelop a BMX track in Wellholme Park, Brighouse.
U Turn for newly freed prisoners
Huddersfield Examiner, 26 April 2011
An article about a successful scheme in Kirklees, U Turn, to support offenders leaving prison after short sentences and ensure they don't reoffend.
Save them from crime
Huddersfield Examiner, 26 April 2011
Editorial reflecting on the success of the U Turn initiative.
BBC Look North, 15 April 2011
A feature about the innovative project whereby offenders are learning skills while helping to build a sanctuary for honey bees in the southern Dales.
ITV Calendar news, 14 April 2011
A feature following a Restorative Justice conference in Shipley where an offender and their victim meet. The victim can find out more about the offender and why they committed the crime and the meeting shows the offender the impact of their crime.
BBC Radio Leeds, 13 April 2011
Interview with Simon Croker, Probation Officer, and offender, Chris Eastwood, who are involved in a project where offenders are working with Wharfedale Bee-Keepers Association to turn part of Tarn Moor in the southern Dales into a paradise for bees. At the same time they're learning new skills to help them find employment and reduce reoffending.
Offenders swap fuzz for buzz of helping honey bee
Yorkshire Post, 11 April 2011
Feature about a new project where offenders are helping to build an apiary and training centre on Tarn Moor, north of Skipton.
Offenders clean area
Keighley News, 17 March 2011
Article about a project to clean up Alpha Street in Keighley.
Payback time
Telegraph and Argus, 17 March 2011
Article about a project to clean up Alpha Street in Keighley.
Requests flood in for payback
Huddersfield Daily Examiner, 11 March 2011
Article about an initiative run by the newspaper, Probation and the Police asking readers to nominate projects for Community Payback support.
Our crime reporter is tagged like a criminal
Yorkshire Evening post, 7 March 2011
Feature article about a reporter who was tagged by G4S to find out what it is like to be on a curfew.
Long time in probation
Huddersfield Examiner, 7 March 2011
Article about Stephanie Dawson who was celebrated for her 35 years of service to Probation.
Ex-offenders build chill zone
Wakefield Express, 24 February 2011
Article about a new initiative, Blue Sky, where Groundwork Wakefield and West Yorkshire Probation are working together to help ex-offenders into work.
One in ten prisoners in district reoffend
Telegraph and Argus, 23 February 2011
Article about the reduction in the reoffending rate for Bradford district.
More steps in the right direction
Telegraph and Argus, 23 February 2011
Editorial comment on the work of probation to reduce the reoffending rate in Bradford district.
Service's top marks
Huddersfield Examiner, 19 February 2011
West Yorkshire Probation's excellent performance in the probation performance results.
Trust is rated highly for cutting crime
Yorkshire Evening Post, 19 February 2011
National probation performance results April - December 2010.
Probation Trust claims high rating
Telegraph and Argus, 19 February 2011
News of West Yorkshire Probations exceptional rating in the national probation performance results.
Community park project pays off
Wakefield Express, 18 February 2011
Article about a Community Payback project helping to improve facilities at Carr Lodge Park.
It's payback time!
Pontefract and Castleford Express, 10 February 2011
Article about Community Payback teams helping to transform a piece of wasteland in Ferrybridge.
'Ruth's not a probation worker, she's a friend'
Yorkshire Evening Post, 27 January 2011
Feature article about West Yorkshire Probation's work with victims.
Sex offenders - monstrous or misunderstood
Yorkshire Evening Post, 26 January 2011
Feature article about West Yorkshire Probation's programme work to help rehabilitate sex offenders.
Doing time on the Payback front
Yorkshire Evening Post, 25 January 2011
Feature article about Community Payback, including the experiences of the reporter who took part for a day.
Short jail terms 'do no good'
Daily Express, 25 January 2011
Extracts from the Yorkshire Evening Post interview with Mark Siddall.
Don't lock them up
Yorkshire Evening Post, 24 January 2011
A front page article about the need to cut the number of prisoners on short prison sentences and give them community orders instead.
The unknown crime fighters
Yorkshire Evening Post, 24 January 2011
A feature on the work of Probation including an interview with West Yorkshire Probation's Director of Operations, Mark Siddall.
Law-breakers are doing work for free
Huddersfield Examiner, 24 January 2011
Article about Community Payback including an invitation to readers to send in their suggestions for projects that could be tackled.
Offenders' 47,000 hours of work
Huddersfield Daily Examiner, 14 January 2011
An article about the number of unpaid work hours completed in Kirklees.
Offender link up is a success
Telegraph and Argus, 13 January 2011
An article about the positive link between Keighley Furniture Project and Community Payback.
