Intergroup Probation Liason Officer
Intergroup Probation Liaison Officer
When I started my service position as PLO, I had just done 3 years as Intergroup secretary, so I knew the workings of the Intergroup committee. I had a very basic idea of what Probation work involved and I had done a few Probation talks and 12 step calls in the past. Despite this experience, I only had a limited understanding of what Probation work involves. The first trait I noticed of PLO work was the distinct difference in the way our organization works and the Probation service work. AA is a purely voluntary organization with no dues or fees. The Pro service is a professional government run organization, which works to help and support offenders integrate or reintegrate back into society after a life centered on crime. The probation services latest mission statement is ‘Enforcement, rehabilitation and public protection’. The PS uses various external agencies to help achieve its aims and Alcoholics Anonymous is acknowledged by the PS as one of these agencies. In my Intergroup area, the relationship between the two organizations was at its best, a recognition of each others existence through dated literature and systems. The distinctions between the two organizations became clearer and more understandable as I progressed with my new service position. I have listed the main variations in working practice which I found in the first instance:
• The Probation Service is a Professional organization, AA is voluntary and remains forever non professional
• The PS has its own particular language, with buzz words and mission statements (AA also has this – the difference is in the content)
• The PS is a Government funded agency which has set aims and objectives to follow and adhere to. They are bound by Law to perform certain tasks and practices for the offenders that they work with. AA is a spiritual fellowship and works on suggested actions, there are no rules to follow, only a spiritual program of action and Traditions which are based on experience.
Although there are plenty of positives to Probation service, it can sometimes be a demoralizing experience. For people like us, who can often want and expect quick results, the process of putting in lots of effort and not getting any come back can seem pointless. After many examples of this particular scenario, I began to realize that much of Probation service is a simple matter of ‘awareness raising’. When I first took up the post, it had been vacant for some years and had been taken care of on a minimal level by other serving members of Intergroup. The local Probation office was disconnected from the ‘liaison loop’ through no fault of our local Intergroup. It’s up to me to make every effort possible to establish and maintain links with the Probation service. I have listed a few points, or lessons that I learnt from my experiences.
When I started Probation service, as is often the case with us, I tried to follow Frankie boy and do it "my way". I stumbled a few times and realized that it was going to be a lot easier if I followed the guidance and instruction of both my sponsor, the trusted servants who had gone before me and the Literature. There are many excellent sources of guidance which can be found in various places: the PLO handbook is packed full with helpful hints and suggestions for service, eg – the High Wycombe model. Also, the attendance at workshops run by GSO can alleviate the feeling of ‘being alone in service’ as there are many other like minded trusted servants who you can relate to and share experience with.
I was lucky enough to make contact with a member of the fellowship who was also a Probation Officer. Whilst this may not be possible for everyone, I found that gaining ‘inside knowledge’ of the Probation service is invaluable. The PO’s will take you seriously if you know who’s who’s within their organization and the purpose of the different roles and jobs. This can only be achieved by consistent action and effort.
Some of the more successful awareness raising techniques have been:
- Making use of alcoholics with experience of the Probation system for talks and Q & A sessions (the only point to mention here is that the same speakers are not used again and again)
- Using AA business card to promote services
- Meeting with an established internal contact once a month
- Attending staff meetings with experienced AA speakers
- These methods have resulted in the beginnings of strong links with the local Probation service.
I stated earlier that it is essential to adhere to guidelines and instruction from the relevant sources. I would maintain this stance but at the same time, as I have developed my service, I have also worked with the Region PLO and come up with other ideas which have been ‘outside of the framework’. As long as these ideas are checked out with the relevant people they can be viable to use for service.
Always turn up on time at agreed location. I have found that Probation Officers are busy people. They often have high work loads and one let down could ruin an established contact and in turn the life of an Alcoholic. On this note, if you are going to use other alcoholics for talks or 12 step calls, always use reliable, established contacts. I have had people let me down for talks and not turn up on the day. This one action (or non-action) could have prevented an Alcoholic from hearing our message.
Take advantage of new Probation Officers enthusiasm and drive. New Probation Officers are usually eager to prove themselves in their role. As with all PO’s they also have a commitment to positive change within society. New PO’s may take AA contact a step further to develop their career and their working practice.
I am only in the beginnings of my Probation service; I hope that my experience is valuable to another PLO in the fellowship.
(May 2008)