Make Justice Work
So what is happening in England and Wales to realise the potential of community sentencing? There are signs that the Government are keen to promote the greater use of community alternatives rather than ineffectual and expensive short spells in custody. After all, they too are aware of the compelling statistics and evidence in support of such a policy, and of the experiences elsewhere where this has taken place. But as ever they are hindered by the spectre of negative media coverage and the backlash of accusations of being ' soft on crime '. What is needed is the radical change in mindset that has occurred in the deeply conservative States of southern USA. A new campaigning organisation‘ Make Justice Work’ is exploring ways of addressing the sceptics who believe only prison can work as a deterrent in the UK- but with a particular focus on lower level offenders who find they serving short prison stints …. over and over again.
Make Justice Work( MJW) was launched in the summer of 2009 and is an independent campaign aimed at highlighting the cost and ineffectiveness of short-term prison sentences and improving public confidence in community sentences. MJW’ s campaign takes independent, non-political stance and rests on rational, evidence-based research some of which we have directly commissioned, and on other independent sources. It has recently undertaken a National Commission of Enquiry, entitled“ Community or Custody – which works best?” which was designed to explore the value and effectiveness of intensive community sentences. The final report, published in September 2011, was widely reported and well received for shining a light on the issues.
' Some of the savings made from reduced imprisonment must be reinvested in strengthening the Probation Service and making all community sentences as robust as possible '
Make Justice Work’ s approach has been to focus upon the right of centre politicians, thinkers and media in addition to the more sympathetic coverage that can be relied upon by the left leaning equivalents. Make Justice Work has gathered together the plethora of research underpinning the cost benefits of alternatives to custody, and works closely with victims’ organisations and the judiciary, both of which are, in general, supportive of community programmes that reduce reoffending. Make Justice Work has been able to highlight exemplary schemes and programmes throughout the country that perform very well in changing offenders lives so that they become tax payers not tax burdens.
Make Justice Work is realistic and knows that there are challenges and constraints. Some of the savings made from reduced imprisonment must be reinvested in strengthening the Probation Service and in making all community sentences as robust and effective as possible. There should be better quality standards and systems of inspection and accountability. There should be consistent coverage throughout the country of robust community alternatives for those with drug and alcohol issues, mental health problems and women offenders. The judiciary must be informed regularly as to what is available to them locally. All efforts must be made to gain public, victim, judicial and ministerial confidence in what works for lower level offences. Ultimately MJW wants to see a major move away from short term prison sentences to properly enforced and rigorous community sentences that both punish and rehabilitate.
It’ s not an easy task to undertake, but Make Justice Work has made headway and taken heart from
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