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"Tough community sentences have a real impact on reducing crime and preventing offenders from re-offending", Government minister David Hanson said today. He was launching a new report which reveals that community sentences are succeeding in reducing offending - and they make a greater impact than sending someone to prison. In Warwickshire about 1800 people receive a community sentence each year. As part of their community sentence, offenders will have requirements imposed by the Courts. These requirements include regular reporting to a Probation Officer who will assess the likelihood of re-offending and potential risk of harm to the public and develop a plan to reduce risk and help to address problems linked to offending.

Other requirements may include unpaid work in the community, attending for drug treatment and testing, alcohol treatment, and attendance on accredited programmes*. Warwickshire Probation also works with other partners to help get people back into employment or training.

Liz Stafford Chief Officer of Warwickshire Probation says,

"Community Sentences are effective in reducing re-offending."

The latest information shows that community sentences are reducing re-offending. Offenders sentenced to short prison sentences of less than 12 months in 2005 had a 60% re-offending rate over one year. Those sentenced to Community sentences had a 38% re-offending rate over one year.

"Community sentences are demanding."

Someone may for example have to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work in their own time as well as attending 22 sessions of an accredited programme. In some cases there may also be a requirement for drug treatment or training. Those people who do not co-operate with a community order will be returned to court.

"Community sentences change lives."

A recent young man on a community order, was successful in obtaining employment following training. He said "You have turned my life around from bad to good"

The report urges members of the public to get involved with community sentencing by putting forward ideas for unpaid work** or community payback projects.

Suggestions can be made via the website

http://www.warwickshireprobation.org.uk/communitypayback/nominationform or by writing to Frank Gravenor, Unpaid Work Scheme Manager, Warwickshire Probation, Warwickshire Justice Centre, Vicarage Street, Nuneaton, CV11 4JU.