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Get out of lockdown free pass (To see probation officer)

alexh07 — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 04:24:02 GMT

Anyone else getting probation appointments just now? I've got one next week which was made today so will be good to get out (although I could potentially spread the virus and kill some people down the line I suppose it's more important that my supervisor talks to me about how I annoyed people on the internet in 2016)

RE: Get out of lockdown free pass (To see probation officer)

alexh07 — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 04:24:02 GMT

My sentence now comes to an end (apart from the record which will affect me for years to come).

Unpaid work - Thoroughly enjoyed getting out to different places, doing practical work and meeting new people.

Supervision element (while in Scotland) - Nice to have a reasonable chat with someone about the offence although sometimes turned demeaning when incorrect things were assumed about it. Quickly went down to monthly appointments and this was ideal. The travel there was quite impractical (usually 20 miles away).

Probation element (while in England) - The main OM I had was much more antagonising than my previous criminal justice social worker with messing me about with appointments and then putting the blame on me etc. They didn't seem to bother to learn anything about the offence, so it was basically a tiresome case of checking in and sometimes touching on the offence but again, making assumptions which were wrong. These were usually weekly phonecalls with some f2f appointments and I found it really tiresome having weekly contact after being used to monthly. I had chats with a couple of other OMs and these seemed more reasonable people than my main one.

RE: Get out of lockdown free pass (To see probation officer)

AB2014 — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 09:56:15 GMT

[quote]

[b]punter99 - 2 Oct 20 3:07 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]JASB - 2 Oct 20 9:56 AM[/b]

[quote]

[b]alexh07 - 1 Oct 20 4:46 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]Was - 1 Oct 20 8:43 AM[/b]

Just for interest, and without giving away your location, were you dealt with by the National Probation Service or one of the 21 outsource companies?

[/quote]

My letters and the office I attend have the NPS logo on them but I couldn't be 100% if the staff I have dealt with have been outsourced. Either way I see it as a pen-pushing exercise to keep someone in taxpayer funded employment.

[quote]

[b]JASB - 1 Oct 20 10:24 AM[/b]

Do not give in to disappointment else you will never reach the end. maintain the control and discipline you have developed since your offence. Focus on your self belief and do not doubt the character you have rediscovered during your rehabilitation process.

Remember there is always a reason or process being followed to test/stress you to see if you will revert to offending again. They will not accept responsibility for their "regressive interview techniques" as being an influence if you do.
[quote]Your rehabilitation has shown you the truth about yourself. You can listen to your doubters but you do not have to believe them [/quote]

[/quote]

I understand the questioning techniques used to push answers out of me but I will never understand the antagonistic approach to test us, this just leaves me feeling guilty and in a bad mood which means I am less inclined to contribute anything to society and it removes all guilt from screwing the benefit system because the country screwed me.

It would seem the world has gone mad where the small fish such as ourselves are made to feel like a bad person for years over a mistake, yet the real criminals are allowed to destroy livelihoods and profit from it without consequence.

[/quote]

Hi
I am pleased you understand my thoughts on the reasons for their manner of questioning.

What you must do; and I know from personal experience, is work on your "own quality of life" which will assist in maintaining your self belief.

I wrote to my OM asking why they use this technique as it is known to be non productive for the individual; but as yet no response. There have and probably still is, cases were the individual has admitted to offences they did not commit purely on the influence of the technique. In other words they became confused on the actual truth because of the constant barrage of accusations and so their recollection is manipulated.
I found the below quote which I try to keep focused on when this type of question has been used.
[quote]There is no such thing as truth as it is the perception of the individual[/quote]

I know they form an opinion via the words of the "victim", so they do not know the truth. However my experience through this process is that other factors provide a bias for their beliefs so an "expansion" of the truth is developed. That is why I remember the quote.

[/quote]

"they form an opinion via the words of the "victim", so they do not know the truth"

This is just my being pedantic, but when you say they do not know the truth, this implies there is a truth to be known, when, as you also say, there is no such thing as truth, only perceptions. You also seem to be implying that the victim does not tell the truth and that only the offender really knows the truth.

It's not entirely clear to me whether truth, in the context of this discussion, refers to facts or opinions. There will be some elements of an offence which can be established as facts and other things which can only ever be opinions or perceptions. For those elements which can be proved to be factually correct, they can surely be described as a form of truth. For example, the fact that a person has been convicted of a certain offence, makes it true to state that they have been convicted of the offence.

[/quote]

Other aspects of this situation include the fact that last year probation were directed From On High that they had to see everyone on their caseload regularly: no phone calls or meeting at other venues. Plenty of lifers found themselves back in the office monthly rather than having a phone call every few months. Obviously, the recent situation put a temporary end to face-to-face meetings, but they're starting again in most areas. I'm guessing that in Scotland, where this is dealt with by social workers working for the local authority, the approach is different and more discretion is allowed. Secondly, both types of probation have an incentive to paint a bleak picture of the "service user" so that when their supervision ends, they can paint a much brighter picture and say what a great job they've done. It's not personal, except for the probation officer(s) involved.

RE: Get out of lockdown free pass (To see probation officer)

alexh07 — Fri, 02 Oct 2020 15:52:38 GMT

[quote]

[b]JASB - 2 Oct 20 9:56 AM[/b]

There have and probably still is, cases were the individual has admitted to offences they did not commit purely on the influence of the technique. In other words they became confused on the actual truth because of the constant barrage of accusations and so their recollection is manipulated.
I found the below quote which I try to keep focused on when this type of question has been used.
[quote]There is no such thing as truth as it is the perception of the individual[/quote]

[/quote]

Mine usually get the details incorrect but I feel like I have to admit to everything they say or it will not be seen as complying.

For example I would describe my offence as retaliating to someone with online harassment who had done similar to me in the past. I knew them from school, however the OM always focus on my dating site activities - I have never had an issue with anyone on dating sites or any other female than the one from my case.

At the end of the day I do know I done something wrong, but I also know that it wasn't as simple as that with many facts being twisted against me and dragging on the guilt (and adding more things) for years after the offence does not seem constructive for rehabilitation.

RE: Get out of lockdown free pass (To see probation officer)

punter99 — Fri, 02 Oct 2020 15:07:56 GMT

[quote]

[b]JASB - 2 Oct 20 9:56 AM[/b]

[quote]

[b]alexh07 - 1 Oct 20 4:46 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]Was - 1 Oct 20 8:43 AM[/b]

Just for interest, and without giving away your location, were you dealt with by the National Probation Service or one of the 21 outsource companies?

[/quote]

[quote]

[b]JASB - 1 Oct 20 10:24 AM[/b]

[/quote]

RE: Get out of lockdown free pass (To see probation officer)

JASB — Fri, 02 Oct 2020 09:56:31 GMT

[quote]

[b]alexh07 - 1 Oct 20 4:46 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]Was - 1 Oct 20 8:43 AM[/b]

Just for interest, and without giving away your location, were you dealt with by the National Probation Service or one of the 21 outsource companies?

[/quote]

[quote]

[b]JASB - 1 Oct 20 10:24 AM[/b]

[/quote]

alexh07 — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 20:21:56 GMT

I see the trying to impose control. Situation was at f2f appointment I was told I no longer need to attend f2f appointments due to the pandemic and being low-risk. Following week during the phonecall the second I mentioned I had arranged plans to visit family etc was told I need to come in for an appointment that week, and it HAS to be that week. Explained I couldn't and was sent a letter with the appointment on a date I will be away from the area

RE: Get out of lockdown free pass (To see probation officer)

alexh07 — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 16:46:44 GMT

[quote]

[b]Was - 1 Oct 20 8:43 AM[/b]

Just for interest, and without giving away your location, were you dealt with by the National Probation Service or one of the 21 outsource companies?

[/quote]

[quote]

[b]JASB - 1 Oct 20 10:24 AM[/b]

[/quote]

RE: Get out of lockdown free pass (To see probation officer)

JASB — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 10:24:45 GMT

[quote]

[b]alexh07 - 1 Oct 20 5:36 AM[/b]

Update: I'm still very disheartened with my experience of probation with moving area from Scotland to England. In my old area the OM/social worker was very understanding and helpful but in the new one it seems a mix of incompetence, messing me about and trying to antagonise on purpose.

In my previous area my compliance was rewarded with the meetings going down to once every few weeks but disappointingly in my new area the phonecalls have remained weekly for 7 months, and now I have started having face-to-face appointments again as well. I was told that since I was low-risk I would not need to attend the office in the near future, but then the following week I was told I have to go again. I explained that I already have a holiday booked and planned on the specific week but this just seemed to make them more determined to ruin my plans and force me to come in for a pointless 2 minute chat like all of the other ones. Nothing constructive has came from my experience in the new area other than preventing me from moving on from my offence which was 4 years ago.

I feel this is a shame as the unpaid work and previous social-worker interaction element of my sentence was a much more constructive and rehabilitive experience, whereas probation in the new area carries a lot more negative feelings such as frustration and causing me to hate the system.

[/quote]

Hi Alan

I am afraid that our experiences are similar. When i relocated it was if they had no history to read.
I was surprised by the words said to me by the OM after moving that each area does not trust any other area.
In reality I believe any new authority wants to impose themselves on the new person, the same manner as a new boss coming into a workplace. They are trying to enforce their authority over you.

Do not give in to disappointment else you will never reach the end. maintain the control and discipline you have developed since your offence. Focus on your self belief and do not doubt the character you have rediscovered during your rehabilitation process.

Remember there is always a reason or process being followed to test/stress you to see if you will revert to offending again. They will not accept responsibility for their "regressive interview techniques" as being an influence if you do.
[quote]Your rehabilitation has shown you the truth about yourself. You can listen to your doubters but you do not have to believe them [/quote]

RE: Get out of lockdown free pass (To see probation officer)

Was — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 08:43:00 GMT

[quote]

[b]alexh07 - 1 Oct 20 5:36 AM[/b]

[/quote]

Just for interest, and without giving away your location, were you dealt with by the National Probation Service or one of the 21 outsource companies?

RE: Get out of lockdown free pass (To see probation officer)

alexh07 — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 05:36:16 GMT

RE: Get out of lockdown free pass (To see probation officer)

JASB — Sun, 17 May 2020 15:38:02 GMT

[quote]

[b]alexh07 - 16 May 20 2:03 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]JASB - 15 May 20 5:44 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]alexh07 - 14 May 20 6:56 PM[/b]

Unfortunately I'm still experiencing great incompetence with my new area probation team which is reflecting bad on me through no fault of my own. This is not ideal as my previous supervisor is in talks of reviewing my supervision at the half way point for an early closure due to there being no problems whatsover and quite frankly, the probation element being an obvious waste of everyones time (in his own words)

After all the messing about at the start of the pandemic, and the first failed home visit (no one turned up or phoned then they tried to blame me for not being in), I was given a second home visit by email and letter. Someone phoned me at the designated time and said he will be round in a minute, I waited and hour (for the second time) and no one turned up or phoned me back

Didn't hear anything for 2 weeks until today I had 1 missed call from my new supervisor when I was shopping/driving and my phone was on silent. No second attempt at a call or text or email to me but rather, they again went straight and wrote out an email to my previous supervision officer in Scotland saying that they can't get a hold of me. He phoned up rather frustated wondering why I wasn't able to answer the completely random one attempt at a phonecall

Hopefully now that restrictions are beginning to relax they will be able to waste everyones council tax in a more structured format rather than the random phonecalls (and when they go home for an early finish and pretend they turned up at your house) which give you black marks for not waiting by the phone 24/7

[/quote]

Hi
Alex,

We all know this is a tactic the PPU use to add pressure on us to gain a reaction or to "catch you out".

A previous PPU officer once gave me a date and time for a home visit. It was in the afternoon so in the morning I went out; motorbike to the garage. Mid morning I got an "angry" phone call saying I had missed a meeting by not being at home when they visited! I simply and politely replied "that he had booked it for the afternoon so I had gone out knowing I would be back in time." I also offered to forward his "booking" email back to him. His voice soften and said his meetings had changed so was available to see me earlier, and so went to my home expecting me to be there. I replied I would be back in plenty of time for the arranged meeting but he just canceled it as he couldn't visit me in the afternoon. Also no PPU has informed me when a meeting would take place since.

If they showed a number so you knew it was them you could word it directly saying "you apologize for missing their call but as they left no message you decided to contact asking if the call was a mistake or wished to talk? "You could also include the reason you could not take the call.
If no number was displayed then simple say "you had a missed call from an unknown number and wondered if it was them trying to contact you?" Again provide the reason you did not take the call or simple say you are getting so many scam calls you ignore unknown numbers now." The final part is important as it is part of your self imposed "security and protection" that many in society do; but they will get annoyed.

As I mentioned previously, keep a diary of the events and reactions in a simple, brief and non-emotional manner. Quote names and times. This can be used as supporting evidence at the appropriate time.

I recently had a request from my new PPU officer which by law I am not required to comply with. I have historically worked with them on this subject on condition of the previous words. In their latest conversation I mention they were just trying to "catch me out" and said you just don't trust me! - though I assure you there is nothing for them to catch me out on, just poorly worded by me. Their reply was they are not trying to catch me out and do trust me.

I then said [quote]"why will you not provide a date and time for our meeting instead of just knocking on the door?"[/quote]

They replied [quote]"We don't work that way!"[/quote]

Unfortunately we are judged for our past errors so no matter what, we have to react with dignity, grace and maturity; three characteristics the system has attempted to and will try to remove from us.
To finish remember this in your "interviews with others" as it may help you see both sides of questions:[quote]There is no thing as truth, there is only the individual's perception of the truth[/quote]

[/quote]

Thank you for an insight on your experiences which are similar to mine JASB, it's very helpful to vent and see that we are not alone. I don't think that it was right or productive for them to treat you that way with the last minute change to your appointment implying that you should be in all day waiting for them. They have wasted a lot of my time in similar ways with me waiting and waiting. Had I been working I'm not sure how I could cope with it all

It's frustrating that in some cases incompetence on their part and through no fault of our own they can make us out to feel like we have done something wrong even years after the offences which we are trying our best to move on from and comply with the "rehabilitation". It's not the end of the world and I suppose the best way to deal with it is just to laugh and remember to try our best to comply with them

[/quote]

Hi
Thanks and yes take comfort that it is common practice.
In my opinion, it is not as you say "incompetence". I could accept that it is possible a singular occurrence could be classed as that but, as you discover by reading the posts throughout this forum, that is not the case.

Remember we may all, as you say "vent", but that word supports the perception of the "authorities" presenting ex-offenders as argumentative, in denial and understanding of the reasons for monitoring etc. I prefer to think our emotionally stressed words are more of informing others of our concerns and seeking to find support and learn from those, who are possibly greater at ease when managing their emotions in these scenarios; whilst complying with any conditions.

I always think that [quote]it is not being critical to constructively question.[/quote]

RE: Get out of lockdown free pass (To see probation officer)

alexh07 — Sat, 16 May 2020 14:03:14 GMT

[quote]

[b]JASB - 15 May 20 5:44 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]alexh07 - 14 May 20 6:56 PM[/b]

[/quote]

If they showed a number so you knew it was them you could word it directly saying "you apologize for missing their call but as they left no message you decided to contact asking if the call was a mistake or wished to talk? "You could also include the reason you could not take the call.
If no number was displayed then simple say "you had a missed call from an unknown number and wondered if it was them trying to contact you?" Again provide the reason you did not take the call or simple say you are getting so many scam calls you ignore unknown numbers now." The final part is important as it is part of your self imposed "security and protection" that many in society do; but they will get annoyed.

[/quote]

RE: Get out of lockdown free pass (To see probation officer)

JASB — Fri, 15 May 2020 17:44:50 GMT

[quote]

[b]alexh07 - 14 May 20 6:56 PM[/b]

[/quote]

If they showed a number so you knew it was them you could word it directly saying "you apologize for missing their call but as they left no message you decided to contact asking if the call was a mistake or wished to talk? "You could also include the reason you could not take the call.
If no number was displayed then simple say "you had a missed call from an unknown number and wondered if it was them trying to contact you?" Again provide the reason you did not take the call or simple say you are getting so many scam calls you ignore unknown numbers now." The final part is important as it is part of your self imposed "security and protection" that many in society do; but they will get annoyed.

RE: Get out of lockdown free pass (To see probation officer)

alexh07 — Thu, 14 May 2020 18:56:48 GMT

RE: Get out of lockdown free pass (To see probation officer)

Simon1983 — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 15:54:32 GMT

Hi Guys

The Collage of policing have issues guidelines on officers that need to enter homes so PPU officers will be using these it is hoped

https://www.college.police.uk/What-we-do/COVID-19/Documents/Personal-Protective-Equipment-Operational-Guidance-1.pdf

It clearly states as per information from public health England if there is no evidence that there is a case of COVID 19 then officers should use standard precautions keeping 2m away and have a mask and gloves in there bag or case available if needed.

Remember that you cant refuse entry to your house to a PPU officer if you do so then as a last result they can apply to the magistrates court for a search warrant to gain entry.

MAPPA and collage of police guidelines state that PPU officers should undertake home visits in plain clothes, I am sure we would rather have this than have them turn up with uniform police to execute a search warrant.

Unlock have been able to get limited information on what PPU are doing,the below was taken from there HUb page on COVID 19

People on the sex offenders register

Just like any other organisation, the police have been impacted by Covid-19 with some non-uniform staff having to be redeployed to the front line meaning less availability for officers to manage those on the register in the community.

There seems little consistency with the way that forces across the country are dealing with visits to those on the register. We’ve heard from one force who have suspended all visits until the lock-down is over, whilst another are continuing their visits unless an individual shows symptoms of Covid-19. Forces will no doubt take into account the resources they have available and the level of risk they believe you pose.

If you need to attend the police station for your annual registration, we suggest that you check the current arrangements in place with your PPU officer. Some officers are completing telephone registrations rather than ask you to attend the police station in person. Make sure you ask for confirmation in writing that you have registered.

Stay safe

RE: Get out of lockdown free pass (To see probation officer)

JASB — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 09:48:51 GMT

[quote]

[b]Airlane - 30 Apr 20 9:26 AM[/b]

I'm on probation in NE England and also under supervision by police PPU. My probation officer phones me weekly; he also visits weekly, standing at my gate for a brief talk, which I'm going to have to stop because of what my neighbours might think. The police supervisor turned up earlier this week, making the assumption he could enter my home without PPE. I referred to government guidelines and persuaded him to retreat to his car and phone me. His next visit, he told me, would be inside my home no matter what. Do I have to let him in?

[/quote]

Hi
First congratulations on standing up to what at this time is a requirement that is actually unacceptable.

Ensure that you do point out that you understand they are doing a "public protection" role in their visiting you and wish to comply with the process but your understanding of the Government guidelines lead you to believe you are correct.

Ensure that you do point out that you understand they are doing a "public protection" role in their visiting you and wish to comply with the process but your understanding of the Government guidelines lead you to believe you are correct.

You should also offer a solution that the visitors should show a successful "virus test" report, and for their safety you are given a virus test before their entry. They should also wear full and suitable PPE.

As ever be polite, brief and stick to the point, and if possible include references to the guidelines.

Let us know the outcome as it may help others.

Simon B — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 09:43:05 GMT

In North Yorkshire I was initially told to come in as usual, but protested so was swapped to a phone check. I was then told it would be phone from then on, but frequency was halved, so not once a month but every two weeks. Latest is that they've been told to visually check we're still living at home, so my OM is doing a drive by off all her people! I just have to stand outside my home as she drives past, and we'll chat later on the phone. Otherwise she don's full PPE and comes in, staying 2 meters away. Hardly inconspicuous. But I suppose given I could be answering the phone from a yacht in the Caribbean I don't suppose the the drive by is over the top. I'm on the SOR and extended sentence, down to medium risk after 3 years out.

Airlane — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 09:26:01 GMT

RE: Get out of lockdown free pass (To see probation officer)

JASB — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 14:59:01 GMT

[quote]

[b]alexh07 - 23 Apr 20 2:08 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]JASB - 23 Apr 20 11:13 AM[/b]

[quote]

[b]alexh07 - 18 Apr 20 1:19 PM[/b]

The random phonecalls which can be any time of the week/day are getting very annoying as half of the time I am missing them or sleeping due to working nightshifts and then they are being stern that I need to answer them if I miss any

Today I was very kindly sent a letter through the post with the big PROBATION stamp on it for all of my new neighbours in the block to see and recognise me as a criminal

I now have a home visit appointment next week which is apparently going to be yet another new officer (the 4th one I have had since moving area 2 months ago). I am expecting the same patronising questions about why I moved area as if it's an extreme anomaly for someone to move and has to be justified with several reasons. I suppose I will also have to expect a chance of being infected by them, either that or standing at the front door chatting to me for all the neighbours to hear

Seriously, all I did was retaliate to someone by annoying and offending them on Facebook (online "harassment)"in late 2016 and I still have to put up with constantly being reminded that I am a criminal, in my case this isn't helping me to move on with my life at all. The social worker, judge, prosecution, police and my lawyer all knew that it was a one sided case designed to provide results and meet targets but kept sweeping my complaints about the injustice under the carpet to make sure the public know that they are a good use of taxpayer resources and keep themselves in a pretend job

[/quote]

Alexh07
Couple of words to hopefully get you to focus more on your well being and please do not think my words are meant in anyway but supportive.
I fully appreciate the emotional stress you have and are going through but to help yourself you it is time to "departmentalize" everything. Hopefully I can explain my analogy further.
First, unless you can find new evidence or something to support an appeal, try to "place" any thoughts that do not support your wellbeing in "archives". The reason for this is 2 fold (1) continually referring to it; or anything you have no control over, as the foremost issue is only causing you emotional harm, (2) You know where the information is stored so that it is there when new evidence is found or truly need to refer to it.

random phone calls Believe it or not they do not always expect you to be able to answer; this is because it allows them to ask questions i.e. why not? If you have a genuine reason then calmly explain it. For example if it is because you are sleeping off night shifts then just offer your shift pattern with the caveat that it can / does change. Offer a solution to their issue.
If you are somewhere that means you cannot have a conversation you can answer the call and explain where you are and can you call them back as it is not suitable to talk. Again offer a solution to THEIR issue.

PROBATION stamp Explain your mail is in a common access place so, to help protect you can they send it in a plain envelope? They will probably say no but, if you put it in writing then if anything arises from their postage method you have some sort of evidence of you raising your concern. In fact I suggest there is a requirement to retain a physical document paper trail on most correspondence; as they do.
There are many reason why people receive letters from the Probation so if asked, just have a constant, simple and reasonable explanation for the letter i.e. your considering volunteering with them. Anyway if your neighbours ask about a postage stamp then I would move lol.

Upcoming visit With the current social guidelines you do not know if it will not be canceled at the last moment but will not say now so to maintain pressure. In regard to the questions read and listen again to my first sentence and the following.

Eventually you will come to understand that part of their methodigy with ex-offenders is to maintain pressure to see how they react. Think back to how your reacted on arrest and at the interview when you saw your whole life going into turmoil. I believe most times they are trying to recreate that environment to see how you react. Remember in this modern society it is initially easier to write negatively and so support historical criminal data, than it is to challenge those beliefs and write positively that someone is rehabilitating. Risk management is not just looking at you but also societies opinion on the Government and its Justice System.

Finally and believe that I am not against you but offering support. All contributors and readers of Unlock know it is hard to accept that no matter the factors, when someone has committed an offence, it can be difficult to comprehend its full consequences for sometime. You are being punished for your actions not hers, the Police's or anyone else's. Also simply and bluntly put, unless you have it in writing i.e. Judge's sentencing comments, then there is no point quoting your opinions on what has been said by others. It only does you more emotional harm because it sounds as if you are trying to persuade others to believe you're innocent, when your own words say you are not. The Justice System sees this as "denial" and will not move past that until you change. My words from my last reply asked if you recognise the "victims" of your action. It took me sometime to fully accept that point in my offence; and I had proved with evidence that: I was lied to, blackmailed and didn't know I was braking the law. It made no difference as the actions I took were wrong.

You have support and guidance here in Unlock, but you must learn to be fully open with yourself to understand the support from others.

[/quote]

Thank you for explaining some things. I think the pandemic hasn't exactly done probation any favours

I was coping with my supervision in my old area which was arranged face to face meetings which went down to once a month, but since moving I feel like I have constantly been messed about with things changing all the time and the amount of contact increasing tenfold. I have ASD which means all the changes, phonecalls and being messed about are causing me great anxiety and pressure headaches. I also cannot afford to be phoning and texting them back every week when I miss a call

I won't list all of the ways I've been messed about but yesterday I waited for an hour for my home visit and no one showed up, I then got a call an hour and a half later which I missed. Today I got a call from my old supervisor whilst I was driving and then a text saying that he has been told I wasn't in for my home visit yesterday. It's getting to the stage where it's almost every day I am having some form of contact with them

[/quote]

Hi
I understand some of your emotions from my own experience of similar scenarios BUT I am turely sorry I cannot express in words the extra emotional burden of your ASD must be on you.
Sorry for my bluntness but does your supervisor know you suffer from it? Do you have a medical report to provide to them for them to understand the issue factors?

For comfort I have had emails telling me I have forgotten to sign the SOR when I had and already informed them by email and gained a response. Their response to this was that they mixed names up.
One time they booked a meeting for the PM. In the morning of the day they phoned complaining I was not at home as they had come for the meeting!! All you do in these circumstances is calmly and politely remind them that the meeting was for the PM not AM and in my case I had other commitments taking me away from my home for the morning. The officer acknowledged that and then in a gentler tone said his bookings had changed and he was able to see me earlier.

To ease the burden on yourself, plan and document on a calendar if necessary, your commitments so you are organized. Obviously when timing conflicts occur you know your priorities.
Keep a diary of events e.g. meeting not happened as they didn't turn up. Also write any follow up reactions about it. Try to have a space for you to write your response and emotional feelings of the event.
I suggest this as eventually you will have sufficient data for you to review with the aim of showing yourself you are behaving correctly. Hopefully lol :)
As a side point this evidence would also support you in any challenges made against you or on a positive note, show how you are managing your life and emotions no matter the turmoil that occurs.

As is life and the scenarios we find ourselves in you also have to try and visualise things from others perspective. Remember:[quote] we feel we know the truth but they believe the truth from their perspective. In the end that is all truth is, the perspective of the viewer. [/quote]

RE: Get out of lockdown free pass (To see probation officer)

alexh07 — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 14:08:40 GMT

[quote]

[b]JASB - 23 Apr 20 11:13 AM[/b]

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[b]alexh07 - 18 Apr 20 1:19 PM[/b]

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RE: Get out of lockdown free pass (To see probation officer)

JASB — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 11:13:56 GMT

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[b]alexh07 - 18 Apr 20 1:19 PM[/b]

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RE: Get out of lockdown free pass (To see probation officer)

alexh07 — Wed, 22 Apr 2020 17:58:27 GMT

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[b]punter99 - 21 Apr 20 11:29 AM[/b]

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[b]alexh07 - 18 Apr 20 1:19 PM[/b]

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Home visits are being done by phone at the moment, they turn up at the property and phone you from their car, so they don't come within 2 metres. as for phone appointments, it ought to be possible to agree a time to phone you, especially if you are working at night and sleeping in the day.

In terms of the general harassment, that's all part of their procedure. The more they think you are resistant to change/rehailitation or rules in general, the more they will view you as a risk and the more supervision you will get. The more you co-operate, the better it will be for you.

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I have thought about making something up like that I have started drinking alcohol or gambling every day just so they have something to do or I get to learn something from a course instead of 2-3 calls a week with the same pointless small chat

This week I got a random call on Monday again asking the same questions as the previous weeks about why did I move area which I have been asked to justify around 5 times by various different people
On Tuesday another random call off my previous officer asking to clarify some details on something which I had mentioned right at the beginning of my probation months ago
Today was scheduled for a home visit but no one turned up, waited an hour but still no one so I went to the shop and of course they call me when I can't answer the phone

What an absolute shambles and waste of council tax. I get that it may help some people but for me all it's doing is frustrating me, wasting my time, holding me back and not allowing me to move on from my "crime" which was almost 4 years ago now. I've been terrified of the home visit today in case my new neighbours see what is going on and start assuming the worst of what I have done to require being monitored like this. Some have already potentially saw that I'm on probation thanks to the big probation stamp on my letter in the shared mail

RE: Get out of lockdown free pass (To see probation officer)

punter99 — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 11:29:59 GMT

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[b]alexh07 - 18 Apr 20 1:19 PM[/b]

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RE: Get out of lockdown free pass (To see probation officer)

alexh07 — Sat, 18 Apr 2020 13:19:26 GMT