Recommendation 127

The Government should create incentives for low-level, ‘prolific’ offenders to engage with rehabilitation. It could find inspiration in the principles underpinning ‘Integrated’ Community Service Order from Ireland, also addressing upfront the operational challenges identified in Ireland. Offenders should be given the opportunity to select an intensive rehabilitative activity of their choice, such as residential treatment. The Probation Service should guide them in their choice. If they complete the activity they have opted for, the length of their sentence should be reduced by up to one third, without the individual having to reappear before a court.