PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Community Rehabilitation Companies (14 November 2016)

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what information her Department holds on whether any community rehabilitation companies in England or Wales are using or plan to use virtual supervision in undertaking the supervision of offenders.

Asked by:
Richard Burgon (Labour)

The owners of the Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRCs) provided their proposed operating models as part of their bid; these models were carefully scrutinised before contracts were awarded. CRCs are now in the process of implementing their new operating models. Probation officers will continue to maintain oversight of offenders through face to face meetings and telephone contact. We are aware that some CRCs plan to use new technology to extend their supervision options, including through use of Skype and biometric kiosks.

We will continue to robustly manage the CRC contracts to make sure they deliver their contractual requirements, protect the public, reduce reoffending and provide value for money for taxpayers.

Answered by:
Mr Sam Gyimah (Liberal Democrat)
22 November 2016