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Part IThe New Services

Chapter INational Probation Service for England and Wales

Introduction

1Purposes of the Chapter

(1)This Chapter has effect for the purposes of providing for—

(a)courts to be given assistance in determining the appropriate sentences to pass, and making other decisions, in respect of persons charged with or convicted of offences, and

(b)the supervision and rehabilitation of such persons.

(2)Subsection (1)(b) extends (in particular) to—

(a)giving effect to community orders,

(b)supervising persons released from prison on licence,

(c)providing accommodation in approved premises.

(3)Regulations may extend the purposes mentioned in subsection (1) to include other prescribed purposes relating to persons charged with or convicted of offences.

2Aims of the Service

(1)This section applies to—

(a)the functions of the Secretary of State under this Chapter,

(b)the functions of local probation boards, and officers of local probation boards, under this Act or any other enactment,

so far as they may be exercised for the purposes mentioned in section 1.

(2)In exercising those functions the person concerned must have regard to the following aims—

(a)the protection of the public,

(b)the reduction of re-offending,

(c)the proper punishment of offenders,

(d)ensuring offenders' awareness of the effects of crime on the victims of crime and the public,

(e)the rehabilitation of offenders.