Paragraph 8

It shall be the duty of probation officers to supervise the probationers and other persons placed under their supervision and to advise, assist and befriend them, to inquire, in accordance with any directions of the court, into the circumstances or home surroundings of any person F1and to make reports on such matters with a view to assisting the court in determining the most suitable method of dealing with his case, to advise, assist and befriend, in such cases and in such manner as may be prescribed, persons who have been released from custody and to perform such other duties as may be prescribed or may be imposed by any enactment or instrument.

In sub-paragraph (1) above “enactment” includes an enactment contained in a local Act and “instrument” means an instrument having effect by virtue of an Act.