Mike Williams: Your support can help offenders

Mike Williams

Over the past two years, the Howard League unlicensed driver initiative in Hawke's Bay has seen almost 100 offenders pass driving tests. Some have avoided the possibility of a jail sentence.

I asked our tutor to write about the programme for Hawke's Bay Today.

Here is what she wrote.

"In the feature article Staying Straight (The Dominion Post, July 18), Nikki Macdonald highlights psychology professor Devon Polaschek's research into parole which 'suggests that longer parole may be a key tool in reducing recidivism for high-risk offenders'. Key to the success of this parole period are probation officers who 'serve that difficult dual role of helper and enforcer', ensuring parole conditions are met and helping to give parolees opportunities to adjust to life on the outside.

Probation officers in Hastings and Napier are increasingly referring offenders, early in their period of parole or supervision, to the Howard League licensing programme. Reinstating licences, requalifying or simply sitting a licence for the first time are steps to legal driving and possibly jobs. Beginning again can be both expensive and frustrating. The licence tutor provides tuition for the learner licence, helps to gather the necessary identification documents and organises driving lessons.

The Howard League is extremely grateful to local sponsors The Hawke's Bay Foundation, the Eastern and Central Trust and The Infinity Foundation which have funded licences, driving lessons and programme materials. Current funding is almost spent and to continue the programme we need community support.

To the end of June, 50 offenders have passed licences, overtaking the total for the whole of 2014. The fact that the programme has been running in all three Probation Community Centres - Napier, Flaxmere and Hastings - from February to June has contributed to this outcome.

The increase in restricted and full licence passes can be attributed mostly to the very good relationship developed with G&R Driving. Recently, the demand for restricted licences has increased markedly as drivers catch up with the new legislation requiring them to move from learner to restricted licences within five years.

Those who have successfully gained licences include: Young mothers (and one solo dad) who had previously amassed fines for breaching their learner licence conditions. As well as financial constraints, lack of confidence and fear of failure have deterred this group from previously sitting licences. Passing has led to some emotional reactions as the new restricted licence holders realise they can drive their children legally, without fear of fines.

Offenders who have been given a time period within which to get a licence. Evidence that the offender is having driving lessons or tuition for a learner licence is often enough to get the length of the compliance period extended. One probation officer said, 'I just want to get him legal and out of the system'.

Those who have amassed fines and want to put an end to wasting further time and money. Thousands of dollars accumulate in fines ignored by offenders. However, the 'put it on the tab' attitude finally wears thin usually by their mid-20s when common sense prevails, or the chance of help to get a licence comes along. One young man looked back regretfully on the money he had wasted. No doubt his family felt the same.

Those who struggle with reading and comprehension. One man sat the learner licence three times before he was told he could have a reader for the test. For some, English is not their first language. Sometimes, the unnecessarily lengthy wording of questions and possible answers in the learner licence test stumps the sitters. Hearing the questions and answers read aloud, with correct phrasing and pronunciation, helps enormously.

Those who have work prospects but have been told to come back when they have a restricted and/or a full licence. For one young man, having his full licence would mean "getting off the shovel". The company had seen his potential and was happy to give him time off for driving lessons and sitting his licence.

Those who need transport to EIT. There are many appropriate introductory and bridging courses, which can be the start of further education. For all, passing a licence, whether learner, restricted or full, means a boost in confidence. For many, success is a new experience.

The late Celia Lashlie was emphatic that offenders were part of a community and as such were the responsibility of that community.

"It is not about seeking to excuse; it is about seeking to understand in order to learn ... and come to know the part we all can and must play in order to make a difference. Assisting offenders to get a licence must be one of the most practical differences we can make."

The Howard League can continue to get more legal drivers on Hawke's Bay roads, but only with ongoing financial support from the community.

Mike Williams grew up in Hawke's Bay. He is a supporter of pro-amalgamation group A Better Hawke's Bay. He is chief executive of the NZ Howard League and a former president of the Labour Party.

He is a political commentator and can be heard on Radio NZ's Nine to Noon programme at 11am Mondays, and Sean Plunket's RadioLive show 11am, Fridays.

All opinions in this column are his and not those of the newspaper.