I have heard that offenders can do unpaid work to the benefit of the community – tell me more?
Unpaid work in the community serves as an alternative to custody – it used to be called Community Service and orders can be made from between 20 – 300 hours depending on the severity of the crime.
Unpaid work can be undertaken on a work squad or with an agency such as a charity or community project. When an offender completes their hours, they have served their punishment. We try to include elements of skills training so that offenders not only “pay back” to society but they also gain something useful for themselves.
If you have been placed on Unpaid Work you will be expected to complete your hours in your spare time and not disturb any normal working hours if you are employed.
If you are a member of the public looking for someone to do Unpaid Work please contact your local Criminal Justice team. You must remember however that we cannot take business away from local tradesmen and we can only work for private individuals or non profit making organisations.