The Counties where the workshops will be held, recently recruited and trained a total of 75 probation officers. The national prison population stands at around 2,620 prisoners while prison capacity allows for a maximum of 1,350. Probation and parole are crucial sentencing options in any criminal justice system, now more than ever with the threat of COVID-19 looming especially in over-crowded places such as prisons. On 6 January 2021, 67% of the prison population were pre-trial detainees-1,770 prisoners, most of whom cannot afford to pay bail. In the longer term, it is hoped that the service can also be used to supervise pre-trial detainees on bail.
