Probation is a sentencing alternative in which defendants aged 8 or over are supervised in the community by a Probation Officer.  The belief is that through efficient supervision, guidance and monitoring community safety is promoted in working with these offenders.

The Probationer is permitted to reside at an approved residence, maintain employment and carry out normal daily activities. A sentence of Probation can be no less than 12 months and no longer than 3 years.

Compulsory conditions

To further the goal of rehabilitation Offenders placed under the supervision of a Probation Officer must comply with all of the following compulsory conditions during their term of Probation:

• not commit another offence during the period of the Order;
• appear before the Court when required to do so by the Court;
• notify the probation officer in writing in advance of any intended change of address and promptly notify the probation officer of any change of employment or occupation;
• report to a probation officer at the place and within the times stated in the Order and thereafter when required by the probation officer and in the manner directed by the probation officer;
• and not leave Bermuda without the written permission of a probation officer (approved by the Manager).  

The Judge or Magistrate may order additional conditions of Probation, based on the needs of the defendant, victim or the community.  Such conditions may include a curfew, restrictions on attending or visiting identified facilities or establishments, attendance at specified programmes, refraining from close associations with identified individuals and mandatory residence at a designated facility or programme.

Supervision

Probationers are required to report to a Probation Officer weekly until successful completion of, at least, the first assessment period which is three months. Quarterly assessments will determine subsequent reporting conditions.