The Community Order and the Suspended Sentence Order Three Years On: The views and experiences of probation officers and offenders

three years on cover George Mair and Helen Mills (March 2009)

This report assesses the impact of the Community Order and Suspended Sentence Order three years on from their implementation in April 2005. Its findings are based on analysis of government data about the use of the two orders and interviews with probation staff and those subject to the orders.

The report explores:

  • Trends in the use of the orders and their requirements to date.
  • Probation officers views and experiences about how the orders are working, including issues such as enforcement practice and breach, and the impact of recent changes on the management of community-based orders.
  • What those on orders think of the order they are subject to, including whether and what difference it has made for them.

It is the final report in our three year Community Sentences Project funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.


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