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New director appointed at the Probation Service

Mark Wilson has been named as Director of the Probation Service following an open competition.

He succeeds Vivian Geiran, who retired last December after over 30 years, with seven spent as director.

A qualified social worker, Mark Wilson was previously deputy director of operations in the Irish Prison Service.

During his earlier periods in the Probation Service, he contributed to the setting up of both the Sex Offender Risk Assessment and Management (SORAM) and the Joint Agency Response to Crime (JARC) models of joint offender management. 

Most recently he has served as a Principal Officer in the Department of Justice and Equality international protection accommodation service.

Vital

Justice minister Charlie Flanagan said the work of the Probation Service is vital.

“By supporting offenders to turn away from committing further crime, it protects the public and creates safer communities.

“I would like to congratulate Mark Wilson on his appointment.  I know that he will bring his extensive experience and skills to bear and make further improvements to the service, in partnership with others in the criminal justice sector.”

Minister Flanagan thanked former director Vivian Geiran for his dedicated service. 

“He has made a real contribution to Irish public life -– during his time as director, the Probation Service made great strides in the development of effective frameworks for the management of offenders and countless offenders have been supported to begin a better life. I congratulate Vivian and wish him well in his retirement.”

Community sanctions

New appointee Mark Wilson said “I am deeply honoured to take up the position of Director of the Probation Service. 

"I know how effective community sanctions can be, to reduce crime and help rebuild lives.

“I look forward to working closely with the team in the Probation Service to deliver on our mandate and contribute to the broader work of the Department of Justice and Equality in creating a safe, fair and inclusive Ireland.”

Wilson said he was particularly interested in the need to strengthen the joint approach to offender management and community safety, across the criminal justice system.

Rehabilitation

The Joint Agency Response to Crime (JARC) is a strategic multi-agency initiative involving an intensive, collaborative approach to the supervision and rehabilitation of prolific repeat offenders.

Under this model, An Garda Síochána, the Irish Prison Service and the Probation Service work together to steer recidivist offenders away from criminality.