Community Service Work Placements

Abstract

Abstract: The attitudes and responses of offenders on community service orders to different types of work have been largely undocumented. A study of Scottish community service schemes revealed that the quality of work placements was more important than the setting in which the work was carried out or the broad nature of the work performed. Placements with certain characteristics were most valued by the offenders and a positive experience of community service was associated with increased compliance with the requirements. The implications are discussed in relation to the National Standards that have been introduced in Scotland and in England and Wales.