Probation, police and prison staff share knowledge across the border

This year’s annual Cross-Border Public Protection Seminar heard from representatives from Irish and Northern Ireland probation services, police services and prison services.

Yesterday’s seminar - this year themed around Partnership Working in Public Protection – Keys to Success - gave staff working in public protection an opportunity to enhance collaboration and share learning.

The seminar was hosted in Dublin by Ireland’s Probation Service.

Speaking at the event, Vivian Geiran, director of the Probation Service, said: “I am delighted that this year, the Probation Service is hosting the seventh annual cross border seminar on public protection and I wish to warmly extend my thanks to Cheryl Lamont, Chief Executive of the Probation Board for Northern Ireland, and all of our colleagues from the criminal justice agencies both north and south, who have joined us here in Dublin today.

“This annual event provides a unique opportunity for the criminal justice agencies, from both jurisdictions on this island, to come together to share and build our knowledge and experience of working more effectively with offenders in our communities.

“Partnership and co-operation across all agencies of our criminal justice systems is vital in our joint efforts to enhance public protection and today’s theme of partnership will showcase collaborative innovations which will assist in information sharing, joint training and contribute to our common goal both north and south, in ensuring that our communities are made safer.”

Cheryl Lamont, chief executive of the Probation Board for Northern Ireland, added: “Today’s event highlights the close and effective working relationship both probation services and other justice sector organisations have across this island.

“Through this partnership we have delivered joint protocols to protect the public, joint training to build capacity amongst practitioners and we continue to share new practice and research findings.

“I was delighted that a range of projects were discussed today including the Enhanced Combination Order developed by probation as an alternative to short prison sentences; the child disclosure scheme that was introduced earlier this year and is managed by the police service; and the developments within Hydebank Wood Secure College.

“As Chief Executive of the Probation Board I will continue developing positive, meaningful and sustainable relationships with our criminal justice colleagues both North and South. Partnership is key to providing real opportunities for organisations to come together and provide better outcomes for justice.”