Role of Probation Services in Community Based Correction for Sustainable Crime Control and Prevention: A Study of Lahore Division

Abstract

Probation is an alternative to imprisonment and incarceration, which helps the offenders to reshape their personality. Probation is a correctional process which focus on the philosophy of rehabilitation and reformation and reintegration of offenders. It prevents offenders from becoming professional / habitual / hard criminals. As, offenders are regarded as corrigible human resource, community based correction play vital role to reduce recidivism and crime control. The purpose of this research was to study the community based correction for sustainable crime control in Lahore Division, Punjab, Pakistan. In this study qualitative approach was used. Primary data was collected through in depth interviews and focused group discussion from Probation officers and probationers / offenders of Lahore Division. Secondary data was collected from document analysis, journals, and officially published articles. Population of this study was the Probationers of Lahore Division. The sampling technique to be used for this study was non-probability Purposive sample because selected participants have direct experience with probation services and completed their probation period successfully. Semi-structured interview guide was prepared by researcher and collected data through in depth interviews from probationers of Division Lahore, who had explore their experiences, challenges and perceived effectiveness of Probation services. Data was collected until the saturation point reached. The collected data was analyzed by using content analysis. The results of study revealed that Community based correction programs and active Probationers’ engagement play crucial role in crime prevention and their positive behavior modification. Offenders place on probation were less likely to involve in criminal activities. However, it was found that role of community based correction programs in probation services was partial for sustainable crime control, other factors such as offenders’ personal responsibility, role of law enforcement agencies, active role of Punjab parole and probation department and its representative is also important. In the light of research findings it is suggested that probation services are valuable tool in crime preventing but the current system face challenges that prevent it from fully recognizing its potential.

Keywords: Community based correction, rehabilitation, reformation, reintegration, Lahore Division.