Community Sentences

• When are community sentences imposed?

  For offences that are too serious for discharge or a fine but not serious enough for a prison sentences.
• What requirements may a community order contain?

  1. Supervision by a probation officer
  2. Between 40 and 300 hours of community payback
  3. A curfew or exclusion order
  4. A residency requirement
  5. Attendance at a group programme
  6. Treatment for drug or alcohol addiction
• Do community sentences meet retribution aims?

  Since they include an area of punishment such as restrictions on freedom which may cause them to suffer. Whilst completing community payback, they must wear high visibility jackets that state 'community payback' so they're being named and shamed for the crime. However, some argue that this isn't severe enough.
• Do community sentences meet reparation aims?

  Since the unpaid work can be repairing the damaged caused by the crime and contributing positively to society, reparation aims can be met.
• Do community sentences meet public protection aims?

  Since community sentences are carried out in public, the offender cannot be incapacitated to protect society. However, they have licence requirements in which if broken, can lead to imprisonment.
• Does community sentences meet rehabilitation aims?

  In the licence, they may be required to attend treatment programme to meet the underlying cause of criminality. Therefore, if these are met, rehabilitation can occur. Studies show that this is more effective than prison sentences.

  34% reoffend within 12 months of release, which compared to 64% from prisons is highly effective.

  Despite this, community sentences have declined between 2007 and 2020 from 14% to 7%.