When people think of Corrections, they usually think of prisons and often overlook the large number of offenders supervised through community-based sentences and orders, says Probation and Offender Services General Manager Katrina Casey.
“They are surprised to learn that Corrections manages more offenders on community-based sentences and orders than on custodial sentences. They are also surprised by the range of community-based sentences and orders we manage,” she says.
Sentences are imposed by courts to punish offenders for breaking the law. In addition to fines and custodial sentences, courts can sentence offenders to two community-based sentences:
Courts can sentence offenders to up to 400 hours of unpaid community work. Offenders may work in groups supervised by Corrections staff or may be placed with an approved non-profit organisation.
Community work replaced the now obsolete sentences of community service and periodic detention in 2004.
Supervision is a rehabilitative sentence where offenders can be required to address the causes of their offending through programmes or counselling.
Courts and the New Zealand Parole Board can also impose orders on offenders. Orders are not sentences as such, but require sentences to be carried out in a particular way.
Offenders serving short-term prison sentences of less than two years are automatically released after serving half their sentence. Release conditions can be set by the judge at sentencing. The Parole Board sets release conditions for offenders serving long-term sentences of more than two years.
Offenders serving long-term sentences are seen by the Parole Board when they reach their parole eligibility date. The Board can release offenders into the community on parole supervised by a probation officer if it decides they do not pose an undue risk to public safety. The Board can impose release conditions and offenders can be charged or recalled back to prison if they breach them.
Some offenders are eligible to apply to serve part of their sentence on home detention at an approved residence under electronic surveillance and supervision by a probation officer. Applications are made to the Parole Board, which sets the conditions that are to be monitored by the probation officer.
Corrections can ask the courts to impose an extended supervision order on mediumhigh and high-risk child sex offenders, under which they will be subject to parole-like conditions for up to 10 years. If an order is granted, Corrections can then apply for special conditions to be imposed by the Parole Board.
|
Sentences |
Orders | |
|---|---|---|
|
Custodial (administered by the Public Prisons Service) |
Imprisonment Preventive detention |
Remand in custody |
|
Community-based |
Fine* Community work Supervision |
Extended supervision Home detention Parole Release on conditions Remand on bail - administered by the Police. |
* Fines are collected by Courts.
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ISSN 1178-8453