The periodic detention of prisoners act 1981 allows provisions for a term of three to eighteen months of periodic detention if allowed or recommended by a judicial officer. Periodic detention enables the offender to be only detained on weekends. Punishments such as periodic detention allow offenders to continue with education or employment. This form of punishment is less costly than imprisonment. However, offenders may be able to re-offend since they are only detained on weekends. .
Semi-custodial sentences are suitable for crimes that are less serious than custodial sentences. Semi-custodial sentences do not require the detention of the offender but do require some supervision of the offender. Semi-custodial sentences are used for punishments such as a good behaviour bond, probation order, community service order, loss of divers licence and home detention. Both Helen and Tom may be issued with semi-custodial sentences for theft, drug offences, traffic offences, and possible manslaughter. One of the possible punishments that may be issued for both Helen and Tom would be a good behaviour bond or recognisance. The offender has to agree to be on good behaviour for a specified time and must follow certain conditions set out by the judge or magistrate. Such conditions include:.
Making certain payments to the victim.
Reporting to the probation service on a regular bases.
Attending counselling for drug and alcohol addiction.
A good behaviour bond is inexpensive and can rehabilitate the offender, such as the result of attending counselling for drug and alcohol addiction. However, the good behaviour bond may not deter for the crimes that were committed by the offender. In some circumstances, it may be difficult to supervise conditions imposed on the offender. Breach of the conditions can result in the original prison sentence being imposed. Another possible punishment that may be issued for both Helen and Tom would be a probation order.
