Judith Collins

Wellington, Aug 12 NZPA - The probation service's compliance with procedures for managing parolees has improved significantly, Corrections Minister Judith Collins said today.

The Community Probation and Psychological Services has been under intense scrutiny and criticism after lapses in process contributed to murders being committed by parolees.

A damning report by Auditor-General Kevin Brady looked at 100 parole cases, including 52 high risk offenders, and found that in most cases correct procedures were not followed.

Staff did not even carry out some of the special provisions brought in after parolee Graeme Burton murdered Karl Kuchenbecker in January 2007.

Ms Collins said that in September last year there was only 51 percent compliance with procedures, but this had risen to 88 percent by June.

"Community safety has to be the number one priority when releasing prisoners on parole. As we saw with Graham Burton, the consequences of lapses in process can be devastating," Ms Collins said.

She congratulated the probation service on the June result.

"While there are never any guarantees there will not be another tragedy, it gives the public greater confidence that there has been an increased focus on safety."

The service had been overstretched under the last government as it increased the number and complexity of community based sentences without providing training or resources, she said.

More money was being injected into the service and the number of probation officers would increase by 13 percent.

An expert panel was brought in earlier this year to help improve and monitor the probation service.

Panel chairwoman Paula Rebstock and UK Chief Inspector of Probation Andrew Bridges said priorities for the service were ensuring offenders complied with their parole orders, reducing reoffending rates and minimising risk to public.