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A probation service may lead to an increase in the crime rate, given that probation is not a punishment, in other words, the criminal remains at large after committing a crime, expert Arshak Gasparyan – a co-author of the concept on the establishment of a probation service in Armenia – said at a meeting with reporters.

“A group of social workers will work with such a person – he is supervised by society,” Gasparyan added.
In his words, one risk factor is related to experts to be engaged in the probation service: “We have specialists, but the question is whether are willing to work in that sphere”. 

“The willingness of all actors – courts, the Prosecutor’s Office, the Investigative Committee, the prison system, and the police -  to use the probation service is risky. These five actors of the criminal justice system should resort to the probation service at the decision making stage. Will they resort to it? A probation service does not function unless others apply to it,” he noted.

The biggest risk, according to him, has to do with the public’s approach, opinion, and attitude about living in society with a person who committed crime.  
 
As regards the positive aspects of a probation service, A. Gasparyan said that the family retains its role and significance, while in case of a family member being sent to prison, his/her family seems to have also been sentenced to imprisonment.

“A probation service means that society is responsible for protection of the family, we have the best mechanism to undo damage done to victims. The judicial system is relieved, and individuals can stay out of a prison subculture and rehabilitate themselves in society because the probation service will reduce the risks that supposedly contribute to the perpetration of the crime,” Gasparyan said adding that another advantage as compared to the prison system is that probation will help save money.

As was reported, Support to the Establishment of Probation Service in Armenia” project is implemented by the Council of Europe and funded by the Government of Norway through the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Norwegian MFA).