NCJ Number
124090
Journal
British Journal of Criminology Volume: 30 Issue: 1 Dated: (Winter 1990) Pages: 65-80
Date Published
1990
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This study examines the practice of community service in two areas of England and Wales.
Abstract
These two areas are compared on the basis of organization and staffing, becoming a client, doing the work, and the aims and priorities of the community service unit. The three methods used to collect data were semi-structured interviews, file search, and several informal methods. This research suggest that there has been a shift in the working ideology from rehabilitation to a more juridical model, and this shift is connected to a change in the day to day management of community service from qualified probation staff to ancillaries. The character of community service is clearly distinguishable from the practice of probation order and represents a movement away from the relatively short-lived "welfare sanction" or disciplinary penalty in Great Britian. Community service is characterized by a reassertion of the individual as a giver of service to make repayment of a debt incurred by the offense. Its use has precipitated a debate concerning its status as an alternative to custody. Recent development in community service included a movement toward the creation of national standards which came into force on April 1, 1989. The standards detailed the organization of community service, emphasizing the value of manual work in groups, the need for uniformity in the crediting of hours and in breach processes, and the need to ensure that the work effects a reparation to the community. The national standards represent an articulation of community service as a juridical penalty, highlighting the shift from disciplinary to juridical penalties. 14 notes, 23 references, 4 tables.