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Due to the massive increase in the prison population, high reoffending rates, inmates influenced by contact with other criminals and the expense of running prisons, other alternative punishments have been introduced.

Probation

Probation was introduced in 1907. When on probation a person has to follow a set of rules laid down by the court. They have to report to the police once a week and meet regularly with a probation officer. People on probation now also attend day centres and complete activities while on probation.

Parole

Introduced in 1967, prisoners are eligible for parole before the end of their sentence. This means they can temporarily or permanently leave prison. Parole helps to keep the prison population down.

Suspended sentences

Since 1967 a judge can give a suspended sentence. The offender does not go to prison unless they commit another offence during the period of the suspended sentence. Deferred sentences are a variation of suspended sentences.

Community service

Community service orders were introduced in 1972 and convicts must complete between 40 and 300 hours of work in the community. Often the community work involves removing graffiti or painting public areas. Community service orders are often given for crimes such as damaging property or benefit fraud.

Electronic tagging

Electronic tagging, where an offender wears a tag on their ankle, was first introduced in the 1990s. The tag is GPS tracked which allows the police to know the offenders’ location. People who are tagged are subject to a curfew, meaning they must be at home at certain times of the day or night. Many people tagged also have court orders that ban them from going to certain places.