Non-custodial Sentences Enforcement 2022-05-24
2022-05-24
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Concerns have been raised about the enforcement of community sentences, questioning their effectiveness and public perception.
What steps he is taking to assure the public that non-custodial sentences are being enforced. I am concerned about reports suggesting penalties can be discharged by working from home, which undermines the credibility of these sentences.
Independent working projects were introduced during the pandemic to allow offenders to complete their sentence at home, but it is not ideal. The intention is to reduce the proportion of sentences that can be done under home working, although some exceptions may still apply for those unable to do manual tasks in public.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific details on reducing home working and full commitment to enforcement were not provided
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
During the pandemic, there were reports that offenders could complete community sentences from home, raising questions about their effectiveness and public confidence.
It is reported that the penalties can be discharged by working from home. Please tell me that is not true. I am concerned about the impact on public perception and the enforcement of these sentences.
Independent working projects were introduced during the pandemic to allow offenders to complete their sentence at home. However, for those who cannot handle manual tasks such as brush and shovel work, there may still be a place for home-based work under strict conditions.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific details on reducing home working were not provided
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Community payback offenders now carry out fewer hours of unpaid work compared to five years ago, with around 30,000 offenders getting away without completing their sentences each year. There are concerns that the government is soft on crime.
According to the Minister's own Department, community payback offenders now carry out 75% fewer hours of unpaid work compared with five years ago. On average, 30,000 offenders get away without completing their community sentences every year, and now we hear the Government are letting criminals finish their unpaid work sentences at home. Why have they gone so soft on crime that they are letting those criminals get away with it?
During the pandemic, we had to find ways to allow offenders to complete their sentence at home due to restrictions. We have systems in place to ensure that these projects are done rigorously within the given time frame, and we aim to reduce such instances moving forward.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific measures and timeline for reducing home working were not provided
Response accuracy