Selwyn Rocksborough-Smith (1950s)

Corrections Branch Archives

the army, he spent three years working in
Borstal units in England. After the war, before
coming to British Columbia, he had
organizational and administrative experience in
these units.

Following the amendment to the Prisons and
Reformatories Act, corresponding provincial
legislation was passed in the New Haven Act of
1949, The B.C, Parole Board was also
established, with authority to approve release of
New Haven inmates who were serving
indeterminate sentences.

Welding shop at New Haven (1950s)

Corrections Branch Archives

Culmination of an era

The Probation Act of British Columbia was
finally passed in April 1946. The John Howard
Society assisted in drafting the act, which was
based on similar legislation in Ontario, Under
this act, the role of a probation officer included
investigation and reporting information on the
offender required by the court (e.g. family
history, convictions, employment) and
supervision of persons placed on probation.

The position held by Ernie Stevens officially
changed to provincial probation officer at a
time when increasing numbers of offenders
were considered for probation, Barney McCabe
was appointed assistant provincial probation
officer.

In the following year, two additional provincial
probation officers were appointed. A branch
office opened in Abbotsford, resulting in
probation services to the courts in the Fraser

Valley.

Era of Punishment (1871-1949)

53