| answer text |
<p>There is a case to abolish or further restrict the use of sentences of six months
or less, with some exceptions, and we are working towards having firm proposals by
the summer.</p><p>There is persuasive evidence showing community sentences, in certain
circumstances, are more effective than short custodial sentences in reducing reoffending.
The MoJ study ‘The impact of short custodial sentences, community orders and suspended
sentence orders on re-offending’ published in 2015 found that over a 1-year follow
up period, a higher proportion of people re-offended having been sentenced to custody
of under 12 months without supervision on release than other similar people given
community orders.</p><p>Unless we tackle the underlying causes of offending, we cannot
protect the public from being victims of crime. Effective community orders can address
offenders’ behaviour, answer their mental health and alcohol or drug misuse needs,
and provide reparation for the benefit of the wider community.</p>
|
|
