Xavier Sosu introduces bill to get petty crimes sentences replaced with community service

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu, has introduced a new bill in Parliament to amend the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30), introducing community service and a Bond of Good Behaviour as an alternative to the traditional custodial sentences and fines for petty crimes.

Community service in the context of criminal justice refers to a form of alternative sentencing or punishment that involves individuals who have committed offences performing unpaid work or service for the benefit of the community.

On the other hand, a bond of good behaviour typically refers to a court-ordered condition or requirement imposed on an individual involved in criminal activity.

The MP in a statement on the amendment of the Act said the community service or the Bond of Good Behaviour would allow offenders to contribute their time and efforts to community-oriented projects or organizations to address the consequences of their actions, promote rehabilitation, and enhance community well-being in general.

“In the first place, this proposal provides an alternative to Custodial Sentence and Fines: Community service and Bond of Good behaviour serve as an alternative to traditional forms of punishment, such as imprisonment or payment of fines

An introduction of Community Service would go a long way to resolve this challenge.”

“Again, with the punishment evolving, Restorative Justice is currently the way to go: Community service and Bond of Good behaviour are a perfect example of restorative justice where the community turns to benefit directly from offenders