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Community Service Order Programme

Community Service Order: A Practical Alternative to Imprisonment

A Community Service Order is a non-custodial sentencing option available to the courts, where an offender aged 18 or over is ordered by a judge to carry out unpaid work in the community for committing a minor, non-violent offence. This is authorised under the Criminal Justice (Reform) Act, 1978 and is considered a practical alternative to short-term imprisonment.

How Does a Community Service Order Work?

Under the order, the offender is required to perform assigned tasks, arranged and monitored by a Probation Aftercare Officer and supervised by a representative from the agency where the work takes place. The number of hours varies:

  • Single offence: 40 to 360 hours

  • Multiple offences: Up to 480 hours

Non-compliance may result in the offender being brought back before the court for sentencing at the judge’s discretion.

Who Can Benefit from Community Service?

A wide range of non-profit and public sector organisations can benefit from this programme, including:

  • Public hospitals

  • Children’s homes

  • Schools

  • Police stations

  • Courts

  • Public parks

  • Other governmental or community institutions

Types of Work Involved

Tasks assigned typically include:

  • Cleaning and sanitation

  • Painting and minor repairs

  • Gardening and landscaping

  • Assisting the elderly or disabled

Where possible, the Probation Aftercare Officer will assign tasks based on the offender’s skills. In some cases, general tasks that require no special skill are offered.

The officer will also provide details on the project location and may supply necessary tools.

Who is Not Eligible?

Certain individuals are excluded from receiving a Community Service Order:

  • Those without a fixed place of residence

  • Offenders convicted of serious crimes such as:

    • Murder

    • Offences involving firearms

    • Use or possession of imitation firearms

When the Order is Made

Once the court issues a Community Service Order, the process is as follows:

  • The court determines the total number of hours.

  • The Probation Aftercare Officer assigns the work location and shares the relevant rules.

  • The offender must begin work within seven (7) days of the court order.

  • A minimum of two hours per day or eight hours per week must be completed.

  • Work hours are documented on two attendance cards—one retained by the offender and the other by the supervising agency.

Offender Responsibilities

Offenders are expected to:

  • Follow instructions provided by the Probation Aftercare Officer

  • Notify the officer of any change in address or personal circumstances

  • Report on time and complete the required hours

  • Cooperate with both the agency supervisor and the Probation Aftercare Officer

  • Work collaboratively and treat others with respect and fairness

Consequences of Non-Compliance

If an offender fails to comply with any requirement of the Community Service Order, they may be summoned back to court. The court may:

  • Allow the order to continue

  • Impose a fine

  • Revoke the order and issue a custodial sentence

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Overview Of The Probation Aftercare Branch

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