NCJ Number
144159
Date Published
1993
Length
44 pages
Annotation
Sentences of community service in New Zealand were examined using information from meetings with personnel of organizations involved in the sentence and from a variety of citizen groups.
Abstract
Introduced as a new sentence in 1980, community service was the most common of the community-based sentences in 1992. The courts impose the sentence as punishment, but its main purpose is restitution to the community. Other goals are rehabilitation and incapacitation of offenders and community involvement in the criminal justice system. The success of the sentence depends on its flexibility, the goodwill of all concerned, and careful selection of offenders. However, most districts are experiencing problems due to rapidly increasing volumes, workloads, fixed personnel numbers, changes in court servicing, and poor resource allocation. Recommended changes include reallocating resources to handle the increases in the numbers of community service sentences, the provision of a resource information kit to sponsors, and the development of alternative methods of dealing with nonpayment of fines where the original offense was one inappropriate for a custodial sentence. Also recommended are changes in laws, procedures, and management related to community service orders. 47 references