Community Service Orders
What is a community service order?
Community Service is an Order of the court, normally used
as an alternative to a prison sentence. You will be required to
carry out between 80 and 300 hours of unpaid work for the
community within 12 months of the date of the Order.
Throughout the order you will be supervised by a case manager
who will check that you turn up for work regularly and on time. If
you have practical difficulties in attending, you must contact your
case manager immediately. He/she may also be able to help
where you have other problems.
What work will I have to do?
The type of work you will be expected to do depends on your
abilities, work skills, experience, qualifications and interests.
This work can be carried out in a small work team supervised
by a designated member of staff, or in an individual placement
within the community.
What are the rules?
- You must attend and work as required;
- You must report to your supervising officer as instructed;
- You must be punctual;
- You must work to a standard acceptable to your placement
supervisor;
- You must inform your case manager of any change of address or
employment conditions;
- You are not allowed to leave the workplace without the
permission of your placement supervisor;
- You will not attend under the influence of or in
possession of alcohol, solvents or drugs (unless prescribed
by a doctor);
- You are not allowed to use a mobile phone during your
contracted working hours;
- You must work a minimum of two hours per week, but at
least one day per week is more usual;
- You must follow any reasonable instruction given to you by your
supervising officer or placement supervisor and follow all
health and safety regulations;
- Any absences must be supported by a medical certificate or
evidence from your employer.
What if I don't follow the rules?
If you fail to comply with these conditions, you will be in
breach of the court order. This can mean that you have to go back
to court. Then the Sheriff or the Justice of the Peace
can:
- Continue the Order and impose a fine;
- Cancel the Order and use any sentence that could have
been imposed at the first instance (including a prison
sentence);
- Change the number of hours in the Order (not less than 80
hours nor more than 300 hours).
What happens if I can't attend?
You must inform your case manager in advance and as soon as
possible and explain why are you unable to attend.
What happens if my circumstances
change?
You or your case manager can ask the court to review your
Order. This can happen if:
- You have been ill for a long time;
- You can't attend because you have a paid job;
- You've been in custody;
- There is another change in your circumstances which
prevents you from fulfilling the requirements of your
community service order.
What else should I know?
Travel
It is your responsibility to arrange travel to and from your
placements. Criminal Justice Services will
refund travel expenses for journeys longer than three
miles each way. If you are using public transport you
must give your tickets to the supervisor before your
costs will be refunded. If you have to travel for more
than one hour a day this will be credited towards your
hours.
Meals/Breaks
You must bring your own food and drink while at
work. A half hour meal break is determined by the work place
supervisor and is credited towards your hours.
Smoking
Smoking is not allowed in the community service vehicle or
workshop. On work placements smoking is not allowed.
Childcare
If you have difficulties in making
childcare arrangements please speak with your case
manager.
