Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson has today (Friday 12 August 2016) officially opened Tromode House as the new hub for the Isle of Man’s probation staff.
Officers have relocated from central Douglas to the property in Cronkbourne Village, which until recently had been run as a children’s home by the Department of Health and Social Care.
The ground floor of the converted building now comprises probation offices, as well as interview, programme delivery and meeting rooms. The first floor will in future be used as living accommodation as part of the overall provision of rehabilitation and resettlement services for offenders at Tromode House. This is seen as a way to promote a more integrated offender management system and support the Government priority of protecting vulnerable people.
The move also reflects the aims of the Department’s flagship Criminal Justice Strategy, which is focused on improving outcomes for all those affected by and working within the criminal justice system.
Minister Watterson said:
‘The opening of Tromode House represents welcome progress on many fronts. The ground floor provides an excellent new base for our probation service and the relocation of staff has allowed the Department to reduce costs by moving out of Prospect House in Douglas.’
He added:
‘In the longer term, having probation staff and offenders under the same roof will further improve monitoring and engagement. It is vital that offenders are appropriately dealt with for their crimes, but we must also assist their rehabilitation and resettlement back into the community to deter them from committing further offences and potentially returning to prison. Providing support and “through-the-gate” services following a prison sentence is a fundamental part of our work to break the offending cycle, reduce crime rates and maintain the Isle of Man’s reputation as the safest place in the British Isles.’
Following the commissioning process, Tromode House will replace David Gray House, which is owned by the Salvation Army and run by the charity in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs.
Geraldine Martin, Head of Community Rehabilitation, said:
‘Work is taking place with a view to broadening the scope of community rehabilitation services provided in the Isle of Man. The intention is for probation officers to become more involved in reparation, intervention and restorative justice and to have an input into strategies to divert offenders from court or prison. We are also looking to develop a more cohesive service to victims to ensure they have a voice in criminal justice proceedings. The new facilities at Tromode House will help us to deliver those objectives as part of the Department’s commitment to keeping people safe.’
