Interview with Denise K.

Probation officer: “We don’t coddle offenders”

Resocializing convicts is hard work for Denise K. every day.(Bild: Eva Manhart)

Vienna probation officer Denise K. talks about her day-to-day work with convicts: What prejudices she sees about offenders and the "not so cosy" resocialization, when she herself is disappointed and when anger about offenders gets the better of her.

"Krone": At the first meeting with clients - is there a sense of whether resocialization can succeed?
Denise K.: First of all, we have a scientifically based assessment interview with the people who come to us. We find out what the risk factors are for the future and what the resources are. I couldn't rely on a gut feeling because offenders are so different: There is no such thing as one offender.