THE PROBLEM • In 2015, 76.1% of prison sentences in Northern Ireland were for 12 months or less • The re-offending rate for people released from a prison sentence of 12 months or less was 47.2% for those released during 2013-14 • Cost per prisoner place in Northern Ireland in 2015-16 was £57,643 (based on certified normal accommodation of 1,914 - current population 1488 30/09/16)
ACTIONS • Criminal Justice Issues Group Workshop on short-term prison sentences in January 2015 made 15 recommendations • Lord Chief Justice meeting with PBNI senior officials - May • Enhanced Combination Order (ECO) proposed with presentation to Minister and senior Criminal Justice officials- June • PBNI proactive engagement (internal and external) - July/August • Presentation to barristers/solicitors and Lord Chief Justice’s speech to open the Legal Year – September • Commencement of Pilot - 1 October 2015
Enhanced Combination Order Pilot Lord Chief Justice, Sir Declan Morgan, with PBNI Deputy Director, Paul Doran.
OPERATING PRINCIPLES 1. Victim Focus 2. Desistance and What Works 3. Sentencer Engagement 4. Enforcement 5. Collaborative Working
KEY FEATURES • Assessment, including views of victim • Qualifying Criteria • Restorative Element to Community Service and Supervision • Civic Responsibility/Appropriate Intervention • Restrictions/Intensive package • Support for Desistance (mental health assessment/parenting support)
DVD Community service programmes court orders prisons Partnerships community courts safety victims
SUCCESS TO DATE • 198 Enhanced Combination Orders made • Low level of reported re-offending • Platform for improved engagement with legal profession, community/statutory partners and victims organisations • Popularity among staff and opportunity for further extension • In line with international best practice
ANY QUESTIONS
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