Beyond the Cycle: Revolving Doors’ vision for sentencing reform
Earlier this month Revolving Doors submitted a response to the Sentencing Review, advocating for an evidence-based approach to sentencing prolific offenders.
The criminal justice system has long grappled with how best to handle people trapped in the ‘revolving door’ – cycles of low-level offending driven by unmet needs such as mental health issues, substance misuse, and poverty.
We believe that the revolving door cohort requires more than punitive measures and outlined a bold vision for sentencing reform that addresses root causes and focuses on tailored, rehabilitative solutions, including community-based alternatives, deferred sentences, and expanded use of problem-solving (‘intensive supervision’) courts.
By addressing the root causes of offending, our recommendations aim to reduce reoffending, build stronger communities and break the cycle of crisis and crime:
Our recommendations:
Rethink short prison sentences
Revolving Doors strongly advocates for a presumption against short prison sentences of 12 months or less for non-violent, low-level crimes. As we have long argued, short sentences fail to address the underlying drivers of offending and disrupt lives, leading to housing loss, family breakdown, and further trauma. Instead, we propose investing in robust community alternatives.
Leverage community solutions
The decline in community sentences over the past decade is alarming, particularly given their cost-effectiveness and true potential for rehabilitation. Revolving Doors champions the expansion of combined treatment requirements, which address mental health and substance use issues in tandem, coupled with peer support to foster engagement .
Utilise deferred sentences
Deferred sentences are currently underused, yet provide an opportunity for individuals to demonstrate positive changes in their lives before sentencing. When used effectively, they promote fairness and long-term desistance from crime. We call for increased use of deferred sentences and the reinstatement of data collection to understand their impact better.
Expand diversion and problem-solving courts
True transformation in sentencing begins with diversion from the criminal justice system at the earliest opportunity. Models like the LEAD program in the US, which diverts individuals with unmet needs into tailored support services, have shown remarkable success in reducing reoffending. Similarly, expanding problem-solving courts, which combine judicial oversight with tailored interventions, can help those with complex needs break free from the cycle of crime.
A distinct approach for women and young adults
Women in the revolving door often face unique challenges such as domestic abuse and caregiving responsibilities. We call on the Government to finally commit to and take action on all objectives of the Female Offender Strategy and take a more nuanced approach to sentencing young adults aged 18-25, reflecting their developmental stage.
Building a better future
At the heart of our recommendations is a vision for a criminal justice system that prioritises rehabilitation, fairness, and humanity. This includes improving pre-sentence reports, integrating technology to make interaction with the justice system more accessible, and embedding peer support within the probation service. With the right investments and legislative changes, we can reduce reoffending, ease the strain on our prison system, and transform lives.
The Sentencing Review presents a crucial opportunity to rethink our approach to justice. By adopting evidence-based strategies and centring the voices of those with lived experience, we can finally put an end to the revolving door of crisis and crime.
