Sentencing and Penal Policy Commission: Call for Evidence
Overview
This Call for Evidence aims to gather written evidence and views to inform the work of the independent Commission on Sentencing and Penal Policy, which has been established to review Scotland’s current approach to sentencing and penal policy. The Commission will make recommendations for improvements to achieve an effective, rehabilitative justice system, meaning less crime and fewer victims.
The Commission is calling for evidence across four themes:
- Theme 1: Community sentencing
- Theme 2: Bail and remand
- Theme 3: Release from prison custody
- Theme 4: Making progress on past recommendations and implementation
This Call for Evidence is primarily intended for individuals with direct experience; practitioners and organisations with knowledge and experience of the criminal justice system in Scotland; and academics, although views are welcomed from all who have an interest in this area.
Evidence can take many forms and your submission is not limited to published academic evidence. Submissions may range from research and data analysis, policy ideas, to trends in practice or relaying of personal experience and expert opinion. Please provide complete references to any sources.
We recognise the importance of place and local context. There will be geographic differences in delivery and experience. Submissions may wish to briefly contextualise where evidence and insights are coming from – across Scotland, or from other places and nations internationally. Please indicate clearly in each answer which jurisdiction your sources/evidence relates to.
Read the Call for Evidence paper.
The paper contains full background information for this Call for Evidence. You may find it useful to read or refer to while responding.
Call for Evidence questions preview
The Call for Evidence questions are included here for your reference. Please click 'Begin Call for Evidence' at the bottom of this page to proceed.
What changes could be made to community sentences and other alternatives to prison to reduce crime, protect victims, and create safer communities?
In your view, what are the priority issues affecting bail and remand? In Scotland, what needs to change and why?
In your view, what are the priority issues affecting release from prison custody? In Scotland, what needs to change and why?
Are there any recommendations from the McLeish Commission or subsequent reports by other bodies that haven't been put into action yet but could still be beneficial?
Useful information about responding to this Call for Evidence
As you complete your response, each page will provide the option to 'Save and come back later' at the bottom. This means you can save your progress and return to the Call for Evidence at any time before it closes. If you don't use this feature and leave the consultation midway through, your response will be lost.
Once you have submitted your response, you can enter your email address to get a pdf copy of your answers sent to you.
On the 'About You' page at the end of this consultation, organisations will have the opportunity to tell us more about their work and/or how their response was informed.
After the Call for Evidence has closed there will be a few months delay before any responses are published. This is because we must check any responses to be published abide by our Terms of Use.
A summary report will usually be published some months after the Call for Evidence has closed. This report will summarise the findings based on all responses submitted. It will be published on the Scottish Government website and you may be notified about it if you choose to share your email address with us. You can also join our consulation mailing list where we regularly list newly published analysis reports (as well as new consultations).
Why your views matter
The evidence you provide will be considered and used to assist the Chair and Commissioners in developing recommendations. The Commission will present a final report and recommendations to the Scottish Government before the end of 2025.
Respond to this Call for Evidence
Interests
- Law and Order
- Main hub
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