BREAKING IN TO PRISON

AFTER finishing university and moving to Plymouth, Amber Fletcher was looking for a job where she could make a difference. She found that in the Probation Service where she is now a probation officer. And as research shows that more than a third of adults know nothing about what it’s like to work in probation, Amber, 29, is now encouraging others to follow in her footsteps.

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What does your job involve?

I know it sounds like a cliché, but no two days are ever the same. Much of my day-to-day work is meeting with the offenders - they all report to me on a weekly basis.

On top of working directly with them, I spend a lot of time liaising with other agencies. This includes meetings with colleagues in the police force, as well as local drug and alcohol agencies. Together, we'll assess each offender's case and put together plans for their rehabilitation.

What do you love about it?

I love the fact that I get to see the difference my job has on society and the offenders I work with.

Often, it's small wins, like getting someone to open up to me or attending their meetings more regularly. Working in the Probation Service, you soon get to learn the importance of appreciating the little victories. Over time, it's these small changes that can conjure a big difference and ultimately make our streets safer.

There are bigger victories too. I've worked with people who have substance misuse issues, people who have found it difficult to open up and trust me, and fundamentally, let me help them.