The Ombudsman’s Role in Probation

Abstract

This article describes and analyses the involvement of the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) with the Probation Service since 2001 when first complaints, and latterly the deaths of hostel residents, have come within its remit. The Ombudsman’s office now has two operational arms — one investigating complaints, and the other investigating fatal incidents — each with around 30 investigators. So far as probation is concerned, the fatal incidents remit only embraces the residents of approved premises, although it is possible for complaints to be made about other deaths of those subject to supervision.