Listen
Tackling the cycle of reoffending
24/06/2008
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill today commented on new figures for Reconvictions of Offenders Discharged from Custody or Given Non-Custodial Sentences in 2004-05 and 2005-06.
The figures, released by Scotland's Chief Statistician, show that 44.5 per cent of offenders discharged from custody or given a non-custodial sentence in Scotland in 2004-05 were reconvicted within two years.
Mr MacAskill said:
"These figures provide further evidence that we must do more to address the cycle of reoffending we have inherited.
"We know that just under three quarters of people released from prison sentences of six months or less are reconvicted within two years - but for those given non-custodial sentences such as Community Service Orders the rate is 42 per cent.
"Tough community penalties can help an offender address underlying problems, improve employment prospects and build a sense of routine and self-esteem and lead to a future free from offending.
"Low level offenders should be paying back the harm they have caused to communities through the sweat of their brow. Taxpayers shouldn't be footing the bill for their free bed and board and three square meals.
"It is therefore encouraging to see that the reconviction rate for those given CSOs is comparatively low - but we can and will do more to make them even more effective.
"The focus on offenders making reparation is a central theme of our action plan to revitalise community penalties. Work is now being taken forward on legislating for a revamped CSO and work is already underway on improving operational arrangements for existing CSOs with a focus on immediacy, speed of completion and visibility.
"But we will not be a soft touch. We expect violent, sexual, and serious and organised criminals to be punished and the public protected. Those who do offend will face the consequences of their actions - and prison will still be a major part of that.
"While I have already laid out plans for a coherent penal policy we also look forward to receiving the findings of the independent prisons commission next week.
"It will help us answer some difficult questions - who are we sending to prison and why? Is prison really the most effective option when dealing with minor offenders? And how do we address levels of reoffending?
"A recent Audit Scotland report predicted that prison numbers could increase by as much as 20 per cent within the next ten years. We are making record investment in our prison estate and building three new jails - with Addiewell due to open early next year - but we cannot simply build our way out of this.
"When our courts rightly send dangerous and serious offenders to prison, we are entitled to expect that everything will be done in order to reduce the risk that these individuals present on their eventual release. But the prison service's ability to work with serious offenders is being increasingly compromised. .
"Not only do community penalties offer the prospect of payback to our communities but they are demonstrably more effective for those who would otherwise be caught up in the revolving door syndrome.
"But our drive to toughen up and improve alternatives to custody will not be to the detriment of public safety. I strongly believe that prison will always be the right place for serious and dangerous offenders."