NCJ Number
158779
Date Published
1993
Length
9 pages
Annotation
The Telford Motoring Offenders Education Project is a group program run by the Shropshire Probation Service in England for traffic offenders ages 17 and over.
Abstract
The program was designed as a group program that could be a component of an overall probation order. Establishing the program involved many considerations, including agency practicalities, community involvement, group membership, content, and materials. Topics include confidentiality, the Highway Code, the documentation needed for legal driving and responsible vehicle ownership, personnel offending analysis, insurance, uninsured driving, driving while disqualified, alcohol and driving, the role of the courts. and what to do after accidents. The optimal group size is 6-12. Both leaders and participants provide feedback on the program. Of the 12 clients completing groups in August and December 1990, seven have not been reconvicted, one has been sentenced to detention in a young offender institution, two have received suspended sentences, and two are awaiting court appearances. The new convictions all included traffic offenses. However, this disappointing result must be interpreted in terms of the program's targeting those with a high risk of recidivism and custody. Nevertheless, it is hoped that successful completion of the program and a lack of further offending will support early discharge or convert orders by the courts. The program does not address all problems posed by traffic violators, but it offers motorists the chance to reconsider how they will act when they return to the road.