Reducing reoffending

Structured Deferred Sentences (SDS) are aimed at individuals (over 18 years) who have been assessed as presenting a low or medium risk of reoffending.  An SDS provides a short period of focused intervention with the aim of meeting the assessed criminogenic and non-criminogenic needs of the individual. 

To meet the eligibility criteria, the individual must have

• a less entrenched pattern of offending
• are at a lower risk of custody
• have identified needs relating to offending behaviour
• are not subject to a statutory order. 

The aim of a SDS is to build the individual’s motivation and capacity for positive change, reducing the frequency or seriousness of their offending behaviour, and where possible, avoid premature or unnecessary intensive periods of supervision in the community.

The rollout of Structured Deferred Sentences have been trialled in other areas including Falkirk, Ayrshire, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth.  Research from these trials has shown that by providing support and intervention at an earlier stage, individuals are more likely to make changes in their behaviour and address the identified risk and need factors which can subsequently lead to a reduced risk of re-offending[i].  If effectively managed, cases have demonstrated that the Structured Deferred Sentence has the potential to divert individuals away from the Criminal Justice System.