Concerns over ministers' push to name and shame offenders

Ministers are pushing through powers to photograph, name and shame offenders who have been ordered to complete unpaid community work.

- Rajeev Syal Home affairs editor

The sentencing bill, now moving through parliament, will for the first time give probation officers “a legal power” to take and publish the names and pictures of individuals ordered by courts to tidy grass verges, litter-pick or scrub graffiti.

The change, pushed through by the government “to build confidence” in community sentences, prompted concern that it could instead be used to humiliate and embarrass offenders' partners and children.

Martin Jones, the chief inspector of probation, said it could mean offenders dropping out. “I am very concerned about seeking to name and shame people undertaking unpaid work. I think it could act as a disincentive to rehabilitation and some may refuse to turn up.

“If offenders are turning up to do the work I do not see a reason why they should also have their images published, particularly when the evidence shows that reintegration back into communities and employment are key to preventing reoffending.”