Numbers from the Prison Service show that since 2008 a total of 11,277 people have undertaken community service, a measure often handed out in lieu of petty crimes with sentences of up to two years.
Such crimes include disobedience, slander, bodily harm, vandalism and theft. Additionally community service can also be handed out in place of suspended sentences.
During the first eight months of this year ,1,435 minor offenders served community work.
The number of requests for community workers has also gone up, mainly from institutions such as councils, schools, sport clubs and other recreational associations.
In the DGRSP’s opinion, community service “allows the justice system to achieve its full potential to repair and restore”, benefitting society with the “symbolic mending of damage” caused.