An enlarged role for probation in Japan to reduce drug offending

In Chiba on the 2nd June, 2016 the District Court sentenced a 37 year old woman to two years imprisonment, six months of which was suspended, for possession and use of illegal stimulant drugs. She was ordered to be supervised after her release by a probation officer for two years. The presiding judge said this sentence would allow the defendant to receive sufficient guidance from a probation office with a drug abuse prevention program. Partly suspended sentences for similar offences were also passed later that day in both Osaka and Nagoya District Courts. The courts were exercising powers under a law, passed in 2013, but which came into effect the previous day, to lessen recidivism amongst drug offenders and aid their rehabilitation. Important new responsibilities have been placed on probation officers. It is the intention of this article to: explain the distinctive nature of the Japanese probation system; outline the nature of drug abuse and offending in Japan; consider, with particular reference to the newly introduced partly suspended sentence of imprisonment linked to probation, the role of the probation service in reducing drug offence recidivism and promoting rehabilitation; and highlight some matters which must also be addressed if this is to be substantially achieved.