The Barbados Probation Service, also known as the Probation Department, has developed another medium through which members of the public can access and learn more about its services.
This new medium is their website https://www.barbadosprobationservice.gov.bb/, which was designed by TechBase Solutions and is equipped with user-friendly accessibility features.
Deputy Chief Probation Officer (Ag.), Angela Dixon, speaking about the rationale for creating the website stated: “We have come to recognise that wider society is not aware of the wide range of services we offer, let alone the roles and responsibilities of our officers. To this end, the website will provide an avenue to source not only information about the department but our services as well.”
She further underscored the importance of creating the website, saying it was necessary to have the department’s information accessible to the public, “24/7”, which speaks to operational excellence; and gives the public a chance to “see all the wonderful things that we do” to help build stronger families and safer communities.
Ms. Dixon added that the department generally has a walk-in policy, but with the new website, visitors to the platform can book an appointment to see an officer; view the department’s 2021 annual report; see the different programmes and services on offer; view a list of staff members and find out how to partner with the department to provide services to its clientele.
The Barbados Probation Service is one of the institutions in the Give Back Programme and Barbadian students studying at The University of the West Indies, the Barbados Community College and Erdiston Teachers’ Training College, can register on the website to fulfil their requisite hours with the department.
The Acting Deputy Chief Probation Officer, while alluding to the department’s mandate, noted that the website was in keeping with its mission. “That is: to provide reliable social advice to the justice system, assist in the rehabilitation of offenders and to support and educate communities through cost-effective programmes that would reduce the incidence and impact of delinquency and crime,” she stated.
The Barbados Probation Service is located at No. 33 Roebuck Street, Bridgetown, and is open Monday to Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The department may be reached via telephone number 536-0400, or email: probation.department@barbados.gov.bb