20 Sep 2023
On 20 September 2023, Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn joined local Prison and Probation Service Staff in Dyfed-Powys to mark 50 years since the first Community Service Order was made.
Community Payback is where offenders work on projects to pay back the community for their crimes, for example by, removing graffiti, clearing wasteland, decorating a community centre. The work must benefit the local community, not take paid work away from others and not make a profit for anyone.
Since the first Community Service order, as it was then known, was made in Nottinghamshire in 1973, many thousands of Community Payback (or Unpaid Work) projects have been completed across England and Wales, helping people on probation to gain skills and experience as they complete their requirements, and benefitting communities.
Projects have included the clearing of allotments, the repair and redecoration of community buildings, the planting of trees, river and beach clean-ups, the manufacture of toys and recycling of donated wood into furniture.
To commemorate the 50 years, Wales have a national spotlight from HMPPS in the month of September, with several projects planned across the country. The projects focus on themes including beach clean ups, community projects, and other community-based clean-up projects.
While on a community engagement day in Carmarthenshire, PCC Llywelyn joined up with colleagues in Llanelli to involve himself in some site maintenance, litter picking, and cutting back overgrowth, to mark the 50 year anniversary.
Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said; “I am proud and privileged to take part in this clean-up operation today in Llanelli to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Community Payback Scheme in England and Wales. It has been an opportunity to reflect on the significant impact it has had on our communities.
“Over the fifty years, the Community Payback Scheme has evolved into a vital tool in our efforts to promote rehabilitation, reduce reoffending, and ensure that justice is served.
“Since it was first introduced, it has not only provided an opportunity for offenders to make amends for their actions but has also allowed them to give back to the communities they may have harmed. Through countless hours of unpaid work, individuals have repaired public spaces, contributed to environmental conservation, and supported local charities and organisations.
“This anniversary reminds us of the importance of collaboration between partners, including between police forces, probation services, local authorities, and community partners. Together, we have worked vigorously to create a safer and more inclusive society, where individuals are given a second chance to rebuild their lives.”
People can nominate a Community Payback project to suggest what unpaid work is carried out by offenders in their local area.
If anyone has a project they would like to be considered for Community Payback, they can find further details here.
Other highlights from the PCC’s community engagement day in Carmarthenshire, included attending a meeting between the Carmarthen NPT officers and local councillors in Carmarthen to listen to local issues and concerns, and visiting Carmarthen Mosque.
ENDS
Further information:
OPCC.Communication@dyfed-powys.police.uk
