NCJ Number
99650
Journal
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Criminology Volume: 18 Issue: 2 Dated: (1985) Pages: 85-94
Date Published
1985
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This statistical analysis focuses on the demographic characteristics of offenders sentenced to community service in New Zealand from February 1981 October 1982, as well as their offenses, their sentence lengths, and their receipt of additional sentences.
Abstract
A random sample of 1,534 persons was drawn from the total population of persons receiving community services sentences in the first 21 months of its use. Information about court appearances was obtained from the national law enforcement data base. Data analysis shows that although women compose only one-seventh of the general offender population, one-third of those sentenced to community service were women. Forty-one percent given community service were Maoris; they compose 33 percent of the general offender population. Fifty-eight percent of the sample was under 25 years old, and less than 10 percent were over age 40. Ninety-one percent pleaded guilty, and most were represented by counsel. Fifty-five percent of the offenses involved were property offenses, with traffic offenses being the next most common offense type (27 percent). The average sentence length was 89 hours; 24 percent of the offenders received over 100 hours of community service. An additional sentence of probation, drivers license suspension, or fine was given to 52 percent of the sample. Tabular data and 6 references are provided.