Addressing offending behaviour

The Prison and Probation Service is committed to helping reduce crime in the Isle of Man thus reducing social and economic costs.

A range of offending behaviour programmes are delivered both within the prison environment and at the probation offices.

The programmes and workshops available are designed to reduce the risk of re-offending.  Programmes include, but are not limited to: 

  • Victim Awareness
  • Drug Trafficking Awareness
  • Cannabis Awareness
  • Alcohol Awareness
  • (SOTP) Sex Offender Therapy Programme
  • Work conducted using Targets for Effective Change Programme
  • PreCursers to Change - motivation work

In addition PEPS* courses provide an opportunity for achieving change and reduce the risk of repeat offending.  Behavioural science is at the heart of the initiative, which is focused on equipping people with the ability to make better choices in their lives.

*PEPS stands for Problem solving, Effective thinking, Perspective taking and Social skills. Group sessions explore the triggers that lead to offending behaviour and highlight ways of tackling those issues.                                                

Restorative Justice

Restorative Justice programmes are delivered within the prison, to raise victim awareness among offenders and teach the principles and application of restorative justice. The INSIDEout programme aims to challenge attitudes of offending behaviour, to raise awareness of the impact of crime on victims and communities and to teach the principles and application of Restorative Justice.  It provides offenders and those at risk of offending with an opportunity to make an informed choice to change their lives – for the better.

Offenders on the programmes explore the effects of crime on victims, offenders, and the community, and discuss what it would mean to take responsibility for their personal actions.  

The Isle of Man Prison and Probation Service promotes healthy relationships between staff and offenders and encourages offenders to maintain positive relationships with friends and relatives whilst discouraging unhealthy relationships and negative influences.