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For more information about the campaign contact Laura Owen
T. 020 7273 4510
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Home Office Launch Community Sentences Campaign

30 Nov 2004

There is a lot of misunderstanding about community sentences - from the general public and from practitioners. There is a common misconception amongst the public that prison is the only effective way to manage offenders, but research shows that community sentences can provide a successful route out of criminal activity.

The Home Office have commissioned a campaign aiming to educate people on how community sentences provide three key elements in delivering justice; punishment, reparation and rehabilitation and to demonstrate that it is not a "soft option". Offenders receive demanding punishments and each sentence is tailored to give a punishment which reflects the seriousness of the crime. In addition, community sentences have the added benefit of putting something back into the community - "making amends".

Activity taking place over the next few months is to be kick-started with the publication (in regional press) of the results of a survey in 29 regions which found that the public underestimate the severity of the community sentences. Eye-catching literature will demonstrate the value of the total community punishment hours served in 2004, and a 'Clean Up Campaign' will encourage the public to participate in nominating which areas are to be cleaned up in their community.

Also in 2005 a 'Reducing Crime, Changing Lives' portfolio will showcase the effectiveness of the of community sentences and provide the opportunity for public feedback.

The campaign is being supported with case studies in consumer and regional media featuring ex-offenders who have successfully given something back to their community.

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