subject: Probation: Community Service [print this page] Author: Kevin Jones Author: Kevin Jones
Community service is unpaid work by an offender for a civic or nonprofit organization. Public libraries, soup kitchens, recycling centers, literacy programs, conservation programs, and senior citizen centers all are likely recipients of community service. In the federal courts, community service is not a sentence, but a special condition of probation or supervised release. In preparing a persistence report, on which the court relies in choosing a fair sentence, the probation officer may recommend that the court require community service. The court requires that the offender complete a specified number of hours of community service within a given time frame. For corporationsand sometimes for individuals--the court may designate a particular task to be completed rather than a certain number of hours to be worked. Businesses may be required to donate their employees' time and skills to community service projects. Community service gives OFFENDERS A sanction that is less restrictive than prison. A sanction that allows them to meet their job and family commitments. The chance to give something back to society and to help others. An opportunity to get work experience, job skills, and references. A boost to their self-esteem. Conditions of probation usually require the person to report regularly to a probation officer for monitoring. Probationary sentences usually include one or more conditions. These conditions usually always include paying court costs, legal fees and fines and sometimes include: Alcohol treatment Employment or training Driving restriction Counseling Community service Use of an ignition interlock device Attending a victims impact panel Conditions of probation are based on state law requirements. If a person fails to meet the requirements of his or her probation, the court may modify or revoke the conditions of probation leading to further restrictions and/or incarceration. Sometimes the incarceration period can be for much longer than was originally suggested for failure to comply with probationary sentence. Community service is a common condition of probation for DWI cases. The courts provide a list of acceptable community service organizations and information on enrolling in their programs. A Community Service Order is made by the Courts requiring offenders to perform unpaid work in their spare time. Community Service Workers are required to carry out useful and demanding tasks which, while providing an effective contribution to their own community, Endeavour to encourage a positive identification with their communities. Community Service Orders can be for between 40 and 240 hours and should be completed within a year, with a minimum of seven hours per week being worked. To ensure the order is completed successfully requires a disciplined and committed approach from the offender. Community Service is a Programmed through which convicted offenders are placed in unpaid Public work for a specified number of hours performing work within a given time limit as an alternative to a custodial sentence. Comsmunity Service Programmed has been established in many countries. Only offenders whom the court has sentenced to a term of imprisonment not exceeding three years with or without the option of a fine are eligible for Community Service. Normally the majority of offenders in this category are people who have committed relatively minor offences and their presence in the community does not threaten the peace and security of that particular community. About the Author:
