Published on:
29
October 2012
Clackmannanshire's Criminal Justice Service has made "positive progress" since the introduction of Community Payback Orders in February last year.
Councillors were told at the Housing, Health and Care Committee this week, how the Service had the "continued confidence" of the courts in the way they were operating the new scheme.
Community Payback Orders replaced probation, community service and supervised attendance orders that previously existed as community disposals open to the courts, alternatives to sentences of imprisonment or detention.
In the first quarter of 2012/13 a total of 61 Community Payback Orders were imposed at Alloa Sheriff Court, compared to 24 during the same time in 2011/12. The total number imposed last year was 195.
Councillor Les Sharp, Convener of the Housing Health and Care Committee, said: "Early signs indicate positive progress and a continued confidence by the courts in the council's Criminal Justice Service."
The unpaid work team within Clackmannanshire Council comprises two full-time Community Service Officers, three full-time works supervisors and three sessional supervisors, all of whom are managed by a Senior Social Worker.
The team work seven days a week to allow offenders to complete their hours within the specified timescale ordered by the courts.
Community Payback Unpaid Work clients accounted for 3780 hours of work within the Clackmannanshire area and Community Service clients for 11,336 hours over the 2011/12 period.
Councillor Sharp added: "In monetary terms using the national living wage of £7.20 per hour, the value of Community Payback Orders and Community Service to the people of Clackmannanshire was £108,835."
Much of the work undertaken by the unpaid work team includes restoration of memorial benches throughout park and cemeteries in the county, renovation of garden furniture for residential homes and respite care facilities.
Other work carried out included removing a supermarket trolley from the Black Devon, clearing up camping equipment abandoned at Cambus Pools, and the long term projects of helping with the re-opening of Alva Swimming Pool and supporting Hawkhill Community Association with work in and around the Hawkhill area.