New programme to deal with offenders launches

A new way of dealing with offenders being rolled out across Greater Manchester has launched throughout Rochdale borough.

The Intensive Community Order (ICO) aims to help young, male adults face up to their crimes, learn to be responsible for their behaviour, change their attitudes and make amends for their wrong-doing.

It blends offender management from probation officers and support to help them change their lives from partners.

Councillor Sultan Ali, Cabinet Member for Strengthening Communities said he welcomed the approach: “I think it’s extremely important that we work with offenders and attempt to put them on the right path in life. I welcome this initiative as it allows offenders the opportunity to make a positive change to their lives and a positive contribution to Rochdale borough.”

Helen Latham, from Greater Manchester Probation Trust, and ICO manager, said: “ICO aims to reduce the frequency and gravity of offending, cut down the demands that are placed on the public sector by the behaviours of young adult offfenders and give these offenders the best chance of changing their lives for the better.

One offender who has been through ICO said: “ICO has helped me. I’ve improved my maths and literacy and I’ve enrolled on a plumbing course. My life was spiraling out of control and now it’s back on track.”

Offenders undertake community payback activities and are offered education, training and employment opportunities along with a range of other forms of support including parenting advice, health and well-being advice, accommodation support, advice and guidance with alcohol and drug problems.

It’s aimed specifically at young, male offenders aged 18 to 25 for whom magistrates are considering short-term custodial sentences.

The Intensive Community Order is a follow-up to the successful Intensive Alternative to Custody (IAC) programme, which was launched as a pilot in Manchester and Salford in 2009 and delivered up to 10 per-cent better outcomes in reducing reoffending compared to short terms in prison.

A new funding stream means that ICO can be rolled out across all of Greater Manchester, including Rochdale borough.

Magistrates in all courts will now have the power to place convicted offenders onto the Intensive Community Order if appropriate.