- How long will I have to be on curfew?
The curfew remains in effect unless revoked by the Magistrate or Judge, or in the instance of parole, by the Parole Board.
- How often do I have to report to my supervising officer when on Probation?
Initially, each person must report weekly for at least the first three months. Thereafter, the reporting schedule may be modified to every other week, depending on adherence to the Supervision Plan, goals, and satisfactory compliance to the conditions of Order. Then follows a sequential period of reporting, but no less than monthly reporting is required for the duration of the Order.
- What can I do if my relative or significant other has a problem with substance abuse?
Referral can be made to the Bermuda Assessment and Referral Centre (BARC), who will completed a comprehensive assessment and make a referral to the appropriate treatment agency. The case manager works along with the client to ensure a smooth transition and offer support to the client. Any individual with substance abuse problems must be assessed.
- Can I choose my supervising officer?
No, Cases are assigned based on the needs of the individual client and the skills of the supervising offers. In addition, supervisors have the responsibility to create a balance in the workloads of staff, so a variety of factors are utilized in assigning cases to protect the interests of all concerned parties
- How long does it take to complete a Social Inquiry Report?
Reports take on average three weeks to complete. They entail obtaining information from collateral sources, completing a Risk analysis and making appropriate recommendations.
- Can I travel if I am on Probation?
Travel is permissible only with written authorization from a Manager. Applications to travel must be made to the supervising Probation Officer four weeks in advance and must be accompanied by the required documentation and support from the supervising officer.
- What is the difference between probation and parole?
Probation is the imposition of a sentence requiring a period of Court ordered supervision in the community. It requires the offender to abide by certain special conditions while under supervision. The period of supervision is for a fixed period of a minimum of one (1) to three (3) years.
Parole occurs when an offender is sentenced to a term of imprisonment, but is released after serving one third (1/3) of their sentence under supervision for the remainder of the entire sentence. Restrictions and conditions of release are defined in the Release Order.
- Who makes sure curfews are followed?
The supervising officer is responsible for monitoring curfew compliance. Curfews are also enforced through the Nightlight Programme in collaboration with the Police
- Why do clients have to take urine tests and who administers them?
Clients must submit to urine tests to demonstrate that they are no longer using substances.
- What happens if I violate my Order?
Probationers who violate their order will be returned to the Court for review or Breach of the Order and subsequent resentencing. Parolees who violate their orders must appear before the Parole Board for consideration of recall, or otherwise.
- Will a Probation Officer visit my home?
Yes. Probation Officers must conduct Home Visits at least once per quarter. These may be scheduled or random. Probationers and parolees must accept a Probation Officer into his/her home when required to do so.
- Can I drink alcohol when on Probation or parole?
All parolees must refrain from the use of alcohol and illicit substances as a standard condition of parole. For probationers, the determination is made on an individual basis depending on the individual's specific issues and circumstances. If the probation order specifies refraining - this is enforced.
- How long does it take to complete a report, on average?
- How many programmes are run each week and how can I enroll?
Eight programmes run twice a week, totaling 16 weekly. Participants are referred by their case managers at Court Services, or from the Department of Corrections.
- If I refer my relative who has a substance problem, will they be drug tested, and how often.
Referrals to B.A.R.C. are tested once as part of the initial intake and assessment process. Multiple tests are only carried out at the request of the Family Court for issues that arise out of the proceedings of that court. However, under active case management this will occur more frequently.
- How do I refer my friend or relative who has a drug problem, and what does it entail?
Self referral by the individual or significant other will entail an initial intake, a case manager will be assigned who will give them an appointment. At this appointment an assessment will be conducted, which will generate recommendations. A report will than be completed and a referral will be made to the appropriate treatment provider.
- What does a Social inquiry Report entail?
A Social Inquiry Report or SIR consists of an investigation into the background and circumstances of the offender.
- Results of the LSR-I or the level of risk of reoffending – Pattern of Offending
- Home environment – Attitude towards offence
- Educational background – Collateral impressions
- Options for the disposition of the case based on the current information
- Family background
- An analysis of risk to re-offend
- Recommendations or options
- Where are people placed to perform community service hours?
People perform community service at community organizations, religious establishments, adopted parks, as well as government agencies. The level of supervision as well as their placement is based on their skill set, their risk level, and the type of tools they would be using to complete the task.
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