Enforcement of community orders and licences

The probation service nationally has strict standards for enforcing community orders and licences. Offenders who do not comply are swiftly breached and proceedings are taken against them.

A breach does not necessarily mean another offence has been committed. It includes:

• Failing to attend an appointment.
• Failing to comply with the requirement of the order or conditions of the licence.
• Failing to comply with the instructions of the supervising officer.

Offenders subject to community orders are returned to court for resentencing. They may be given extended or additional requirements, or a custodial sentence.

Offenders subject to licenced release are recalled to prison within two days. In emergency situations recall can happen within two hours.

Offenders on licence can also be returned to custody if their behaviour gives their supervising officer sufficient cause for concern. They can also be recalled if they are charged with a new offence.

Northumbria Probation Trust has an excellent record in enforcing community orders and licences in line with national standards.