It is the first of its kind in the country. It aims to offer prolific criminals a realistic opportunity to break free from the cycle of crime for the long term, and a result reducing the number of victims of crime in the county.
Launched in April 2007, the Choices and Consequences (C2) project is supported by:
All partner agencies in the Criminal Justice system. Working closely with the Hertfordshire Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Hertfordshire Constabulary officers identify suitable candidates, who must demonstrate their desire to rehabilitate by admitting all past offences. They are then assessed by the Probation Service. Ultimately, the courts decide and, if suitable their sentence is deferred for up to six months whilst they undertake an extensive rehabilitation regime that may include drug treatment, life skills training, education and employment.
Who is the project aimed at?
It is aimed at the county’s most prolific offenders, who have committed a large number of criminal offences and most probably have some form of addiction that has driven the offending.
The offenders must be over 18 and impact heavily on the county by the nature of their crimes. It is not aimed at people who have committed violent offences.
What happens on the project?
The project is aimed at those people who are genuine about wanting to rehabilitate. It is not an easy option and the offenders spend their days attending drug treatment, undertaking; motivational work, drug tests, supervision with probation officers and voluntary work. Unpaid work is part of the community order and there is a strong emphasis on education and training to give the offenders a sustainable way of earning a living.
Any sentence C2 candidates may have received had they not been on the C2 project is deferred for a period set by the courts, and they must stay away from offending and deal with any addiction for a period of up to three years - if they don't, they will be brought back before the court to be re-sentenced.
