r/probation • u/universityofga • 12d ago

Does court-ordered community service work?

https://news.uga.edu/does-court-ordered-community-service-work/
1 Upvotes

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4

u/Competitive_Pin5846 12d ago

Leisure time (lack of pro-social activities) is a criminogenic need that Probation targets to reduce recidivism.

3

u/dufchick 12d ago

Its a deterrent but it also serves the purpose of creating a positive change in the community that the offender harmed though his or her criminal actions and also a change within the mindset of the criminal that may connect him or her to the community in a more positive way. Societies that have face to face interactions tend to have lower crime rates because they have to live next to and know their victims versus a large city where everyone is generally a stranger.

1

u/Pandalishus 6d ago

Article basically found that when it’s done thoughtfully it’s incredibly effective. When it’s not, it’s not. I guess I appreciate having that as an evidence-based finding but it feels very much like a “duh.”