The Nottinghamshire Area of the National Probation Service has an important responsibility to ensure that the supervision of potentially dangerous people is as effective as possible in minimising the risk of harm.

The Criminal Justice Act 1991, the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and the Criminal Justice and Courts Services Act 2000 presents the Probation Service with the role of supervising more serious offendcers, and, in doing so, the Service is responsible for setting up procedures and systms which ensure that the supervision of potentially dangerous offenders is effecrtive.

This legislative framework is reinforced by National Standards 2000.  Court reports contain an assessment of the risk of harm to the public and the likelihood of reoffending and, in tbe case fo bail information reports, the report is copied to the police, social services or health authority as appropriate.

Where the offender is sentenced to custody or a community sentence assessment continues following sentence.  Further assessments are based on those completed at the pre-sentence stage (where available) and on the use of the Offender Assessment System (OASys).

The aims of risk management in probation are:

• To ensure the supervision  of potentially dangerous offenders is as effective as possible in minimising the risk of ham
  
• To enable and support staff at individual and team levels in the management of potentially dangerous offenders
  
• To assist in deciding on priorities for intervention
  
• To promote the role of supervision planning and accountability for all staff in the organisation
  
• To promote interagency working