Checkpoint scheme evaluated.

Reoffending rates have been dramatically reduced in a ground-breaking scheme in Durham called Checkpoint which could lead to a radical rethink into society’s response to preventing reoffending.

Over 2,660 offenders who have committed offences ranging from burglary and assault to low-level theft agreed to take part in an experiment where they avoided prosecution if they took part in a rehabilitation programme for issues that often contribute to reoffending such as mental health and substance abuse. To date only 166 participants (6%) have reoffended.

Completion of a formal four-month contract with Durham police meant the offenders walked away without a criminal conviction. But if they failed the course or opted out early, they were prosecuted in the traditional way.

Checkpoint costs Durham Constabulary £480,000 a year to administer. An internal force review suggests that for every 1,000 offenders successfully completing the course it saves at least £2m a year in reduced crime.

At a time when the current sanctions for dealing with low-level offences such as shoplifting, anti-social behaviour or drug possession are generally felt to be ineffective, this new approach may gain traction.