NCJ Number
102707
Journal
British Journal of Criminology Volume: 27 Issue: 7 Dated: (July 1986) Pages: 287-298
Date Published
1986
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This study examines the value of a British reparation program (offender services for victims) as viewed by victims, staff, and the wider community.
Abstract
Under the reparation scheme, offenders are offered the opportunity of reparative work in victims' homes in the form of repair work, replacing locks, repairing doors, etc. The project is financed and managed by the probation service with the cooperation of the victim support scheme. The project started in November 1984 (approximately the same time as this research) and involved sentended offenders. By the end of January 1985, involved sentended offenders. By the end of January 1985, 10 offenders had participated in the program. Twenty-eight crime victims involved in the victim support scheme were interviewed from November 1984 through April 1985. Eight of 15 worker volunteers surveyed reported their views on reparation. One hundred citizens in the police jurisdiction of the program were interviewed, along with 169 citizens in the community (Merseyside) outside that jurisdiction. There was little support among victims and the larger community for the kind of reparation project involved. Some education about the kinds of offenders admitted to such projects and their effectiveness may improve acceptance of such programs. 4 tables and 16 references.