My dad was a probation officer for 30 years. He retired when he found himself dealing with the children of his original clients.
He once sat a client down with a calculator to show him he’d have made more money on the dole and staying out of prison than engaging in a life of petty crime. Not sure that worked.
Good on your dad - that is some commitment! I'm 8 years in, and while I do enjoy it, not sure I'll last that long. Not seen any of the next generation yet - that must be quite depressing!
Ah, thanks, Joanna. Yep, definitely some similarities. I did a Beavers camp with my son a couple of weeks ago (30+ kids in a field all weekend) and have so, so much respect for teachers/anyone who works with kids!
Haha, this was excellent. I especially enjoyed the 'emails from reception' interludes.
Thanks, mate. The "man lighting a fire" one was only a few days ago and inspired me to include them.
I did too!
My dad was a probation officer for 30 years. He retired when he found himself dealing with the children of his original clients.
He once sat a client down with a calculator to show him he’d have made more money on the dole and staying out of prison than engaging in a life of petty crime. Not sure that worked.
Good on your dad - that is some commitment! I'm 8 years in, and while I do enjoy it, not sure I'll last that long. Not seen any of the next generation yet - that must be quite depressing!
But he's a family friend!
The calculation depends on whether one sadly considers prison to be free housing and food.
Thank you so much, I needed a good laugh 😆 it bears a resemblance to teaching, only with fully grown children!
Ah, thanks, Joanna. Yep, definitely some similarities. I did a Beavers camp with my son a couple of weeks ago (30+ kids in a field all weekend) and have so, so much respect for teachers/anyone who works with kids!
Honestly, who hasn’t stolen a double decker bus?
Judge not and all
Haha. The guy managed to drive it home while under the influence of a cocktail of drugs too - actually very impressive.
A transport emergency has happened to the best of us
Haha.
Heroin is an antihistamine? Good to know. Btw, I choked on my lunch reading this 😂
Ha. I've heard it has many uses.
Cheers, Wendy - glad you enjoyed!
It’s rather like sorting out playground disputes but with greater violence and added drugs.
Haha. Exactly. Parenting vs probation - definitely a lot of transferrable skills!
At first glance, I read the comment as, "Parenting as probation." Ha! Kind of true. 😄
Love it!
My partner works in Probation, and every day, when he comes home from work and I ask, "how was your day?", I never know what might happen!
Thanks, Helen. Ha - I imagine he has had some very similar discussions then. Say hello to him from me!
He had someone claim once, “I just happened to have a massive sword in the boot of my car.”
Me: I think we've just got a puncture repair kit and a car blanket, but should I check just in case?
There is a great aphorism among American police officers: “Crime makes you stupid.”
Great read! Think you need to write a book - I'll buy it!
Ah, cheers, Georgina. Nice idea but might have to wait until I've left the job!
I used to work with offenders, and this has brought back how much I loved them and why. Absolutely hilarious.
Thanks, Catriona! Glad to hear it brought back some (fond?!) memories.
This is brilliant. Could not do this job!! 🙌 I’m fully on number 4’s side though - hope they managed to sort an exorcism
Haha, thanks, Claire! Glad to hear you enjoyed it 😊
These were great! I'm sure you have seen and heard a lot! I am already looking forward to the next one of these!
Ah, thanks, Stacy!
Epic, Andy. Just epic!!
Sorry, missed this. Not deliberately being rude! Thanks, Katie - glad you enjoyed. 😊
They made me proper chortle to myself! Thank you.
So if the lasagne hadn't been from Asda, he would have been fine with getting hit by it?
Can only imagine how he'd have felt if it was from Waitrose.
Great stuff Andy. I salute you!
Ha. Thanks, Sharon.
Hilarious. I’m pretty sure you could write a show purely based on these interactions.
Ah, thanks, Sara. Nice idea - there's certainly an interesting cast of characters. Would probably have to leave the job first, though!
Hah definitely!
I think you absolutely could make a series of YouTube shorts, and it would be a hit.