The fact sheets are a valuable source of information. Of particular interest is the one entitled ‘Alternatives to Custody (UK Wide)’. It gives an indication of the range of sentences, other than custody, that are available.

Rethinking Crime and Punishment raised 'the level of public debate about the use of prison and alternative forms of punishment in the UK’. Details can be found of the Coulsfield inquiry, which provided an independent view on the role of prison and possible alternatives. It also gives a good overview of agencies and groups that are active within the criminal justice system. The briefing papers that they have produced are also very useful.

Youth Offender Panels are an alternative to the use of custody for young people. When a Referral Order is made by the courts the young person attends a Panel meeting at which a contract is drawn up containing both a form of reparation and intervention activities aimed at preventing re-offending. The website has further details.

SmartJustice promotes community punishments rather than custody for the majority of offenders. This approach would allow prison staff to concentrate on turning serious criminals into law abiding citizens. The website contains a number of case studies showing how community penalties are cutting crime and changing lives, as well as a variety of briefings on different issues. One of these briefings focuses on the soaring rate of black and ethnic minority people in prison.