Community Sentencing - Essay Example

There is overcrowding and violence inside prisons which altogether provide a very unhealthy atmosphere for the inmates. The observed increase in re-offending rates (Scottish Executive, 2007; Anderson, 1998; Jingyin, 2010; 121st International Training Course, n.d; Beijing Review, 2010). While prison sentencing cannot be avoided, it need not be given to all types of offenders. Those people who commit less violent crimes and are liable to receive a short-term prison sentence should instead be allowed to engage in rehabilitation programs that would help them learn specific skills. Many research studies have revealed that such programs have helped in reducing the reoffending rates (National Probation Service, n.d). Hence given the present scenario inclusion of minor non-violent offenders in prisons along with the violent criminals would not make their lives any better as it increases their risk of engaging in deviant behavior.

Additionally, it would also add to the maintenance costs of the prison. Community sentencing was first introduced into the legal system in the year 1907 and was proposed as an initial punishment for low-level, non-violent; first-time criminals who do not pose any threat to the society at large and hence do not require imprisonment (Scottish Executive, 2007; Anderson, 1998; Jingyin, 2010; 121st International Training Course, n.d; Beijing Review, 2010; National Probation service, n.d). It is issued as an order from the court that requires the offender to perform the specified hours of unpaid labor and several judges have introduced several community service programs for the offenders (121st International Training Course, n.d).  It is, however, not largely viewed as an alternative to jail sentencing as those offenders who repeat their crime even after being sentenced to community service would be considered as suitable candidates for imprisonment (Scottish Executive, 2007).

Community sentencing involves several requirements which are designed to punish, change and control the behavior of the offender thereby helping him to live a better life (National Probation Service, n.d).  Community service for petty crime offenders includes public maintenance work such as clearing litter and cutting grass, clerical work, serving in hospitals and nursing homes, supervision and management of convicted criminals (Anderson, 1998; 121st International Training Course, n.d).  These programs are aimed to allow the offender to pay back to the communities where they had committed the crime and many believe that imposing such as sentence would actually help the criminal understand the extent of their crime and thus help them to change themselves (National Probation Service, n.d).

All the programs are designed to make the offenders accountable for their crimes and at the same time help them to develop new job skills (Anderson, 1998). Such jobs provide a means of rehabilitation to the non-violent criminals and help them reengage with society. It would also help them to contribute to their family while serving their term and hence help in avoiding family break-ups (121st International Training Course, n.d). China introduced a pilot community-based correction program in 2003, which was later extended to 27 provinces and the number enrolled in these programs has only increased ever since.

Reports suggest that the number of criminals involved in such programs is larger than the prison inmate population which is reflective of the notion that these programs are considered as a means of improving the legal system of a country and the society at large (Jingyin, 2010).  These services are assigned based on the skills of the offenders as well as the crimes committed by them which are determined using an offender assessment system to ensure that they do not pose any kind of risk to the society (National Probation Service, n.d; Anderson, 1998). The number of hours served in community service is approximately equated to the jail term that needs to be served for the particular offense (Anderson, 1998). The service rendered by the offenders was coordinated and supervised by the probation department (Anderson, 1998; 121st International Training Course, n.d).

Community sentencing is now widely used in many urban states and certain state legislatures have issued mandatory community service for certain offenses. With stricter laws being imposed by the government, even the slightest stray from the rules could result in a charge. And it is impossible for prisons to accommodate all the petty offenders within their system and hence such community-based sentences are being considered as a better option and several judges have vouched for the credibility of the program as they not only reduce the reoffending rate but also help to save the taxpayer’s money on unwanted prison costs (Anderson, 1998).

In addition to the offender, the entire community will be benefitted from these programs.  Considering the beneficial effects of community sentencing legal experts should introduce more such programs with the support of all the participating government and non-profit organizations in order to minimize prison overload and help the non-violent minor criminals rehabilitate themselves. Legal experts are working on introducing more intensive programs and better supervision of the offenders in order to make the programs truly effective. Offenders subjected to these programs should realize their importance and as a learning process to help them correct their behavior (National Probation Service, n.d).