Southern Charm XL | Page 29

offenders how their actions affected them and to receive an apology. In this way, perpetrators must fully contemplate the consequences of their actions. In Manchester, for example, the Intensive Alternative to Custody aimed at low risk offenders, and which was piloted under the last Labour government, developed a credible and effective alternative to custody. The scheme pr ovided intensive mentoring, equipping the offenders with life skills and helping them get into work. Funding for the scheme was scrapped by the Coalition, even though an independent audit found it had been a success and saved money. London police officers It is imperative that we advance a mature, evidence-based approach to criminal justice with public safety at its heart. Shifting towards a greater use of community sentences would reflect what works and would free Labour to invest in other areas, such as education, youth training and policing, thereby addressing the root causes of entry into crime. For the price of the new Titan prison proposed in Wales, we could build 18 new secondary schools or employ 5,000 nurses for five years. “For the price of the new Titan prison proposed in Wales, we could build 18 new secondary schools” It was Winston Churchill who said “you can judge a society by how it treats its prisoners.” A fresh approach to criminal justice policy would enhance Labour’s reputation for economic credibility and progressive reform; and would offer voters the kind of cuts they can believe in. revolutionise.it 28