The prospect of imprisonment does not deter most potential offenders. Prisons do not protect society in the long term. The theory that they provide the best remedy for crime has been tested and found wanting. Society uses imprisonment as punishment. We can see that this runs counter to our true interests, because in many cases offenders leave prison less able to survive in the community, and more inclined to hurt others and seek revenge.
Shorter sentences are more effective for many offenders.
At present, imprisonment is named in legislation as mandatory for many crimes and as the recommended sentence for many others. We believe that alternatives to imprisonment should be used more widely. These include diversion, intensive supervision, mediated restitution and community programmes. Restorative Justice, based on community group conferencing, is a process that brings together victim, offender and other people involved to empower them to work towards reparation, reconciliation and healing. We have heard that this process can be effective when it is properly supported, and look forward to a full and independent evaluation of results.