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Welcome
Welcome to the Sentencing Reform Website for Northern Ireland. Here you will find an explanation of how the new public protection sentences work and how they provide better safeguards for the public.
The new sentences have been introduced to give more power to the criminal justice system to manage dangerous offenders.
You will also find information about other important changes here, including the new electronic monitoring system.
For those offenders who find themselves in the court system, many will be dealt with by way of community sentences such as probation orders, community service orders or in certain circumstances, a fine will be imposed.
There are however, offenders who commit serious offences which warrant a custodial sentence and it is these sentences that have changed.
About the new Sentences
The new public protection sentences and measures have been introduced to provide better safeguards for the public and manage the most dangerous offenders. It is important to note that these sentences will apply to a small minority of offenders in Northern Ireland who will also be reviewed by the new body of Parole Commissioners  before they are released.
Perhaps the biggest change for any offender who receives any sentence of 12 months or more is that they must be supervised in the community by the Probation Board for Northern Ireland after they are released. This will mean that every offender will be placed on a licence and can be recalled to prison if they breach their conditions.
How this site works
We've split the information into a number of sections to make it easier to understand. This includes specific areas for practitioners, offenders and young offenders.
It is important for offenders themselves to understand both the very serious consequences of receiving a public protection sentence and the responsibilities they have to change their behaviour.
Disclaimer
It is important to note that the publications provided on this site are not legal documents. They are intended as general guidance on the sentences and policies currently in place in Northern Ireland.
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