Community service as an alternative to imprisonment for offenders

Abstract

The literature is full of references to the devastating impact of imprisonment on offenders (Backett 1988, Bottoms 1987, Evans 1980, Klare 1973). Alternatives have been proposed and implemented in most countries, including Malta. Community Service is one of the most recent measures to be used, aimed at achieving three objectives simultaneously: retribution, reparation to society and rehabilitation of offenders. Success of such a scheme in other countries, does not necessarily mean it will prove successful in Malta too. Although not all the pitfalls can be specified before the scheme is actually carried out, a feasibility study is recommended as a first step towards developing the Community Service Order.