Two probation services have been rated as inadequate in damning reports due to concerns over potential domestic abuse risk.
HM Inspectorate of Probation carried out two recent inspections in the Merseyside area - one on the Liverpool North Probation Delivery Unit (PDU) and another on Knowsley and St Helens PDU. Both services were classed as inadequate, with concerns raised about the delay and access to vital information on matters including domestic abuse.
Justin Russell, chief inspector of probation, said: "The lack of information to keep people safe available to Liverpool North PDU is worrying. At the time of our inspection, probation services in the Merseyside area were waiting for 1,350 domestic abuse enquiries to be returned by the police - there must be urgent action to improve this situation. Without proper information, probation services cannot effectively manage the risk people on probation may pose."
