The role of community service orders toward offenders’ behaviour rehabilitation in Tanzania: a case of Temeke District in Dar es Salaam region

This study examined the Role of Community Service Orders toward Offenders’ Behaviour Rehabilitation in Temeke District. It was pre-assumed that, re-offending behaviour is effectively contained when offenders are sentenced to community correction than imprisonment. The study used qualitative research methodology and data were collected using in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, non-participant observation and documentary review. Differential Association Theory guided the study. The collected data were analyzed qualitatively and the study findings revealed that, the interaction between offenders and other key players, such as the community, have been influential in shaping offenders’ behaviour. It was also found that the community still regards community service as a light punishment and therefore preferred prison sentence. The study also revealed that the implementation of Community Service is at a slow pace due to financial constraint, shortage of staff and Judicial reluctance to impose the order. The study concludes that, due to lack of information about the long-term effects of community service on offenders, it is premature to conclude on its effectiveness on behavioural change. However, the experience shows that the scheme is viable, since orders are being made and completed, sometimes evidently effect offenders’ behavioural change. The study recommends that the NCSS should sensitize the public, employ new staff and seek for other sources of funds to supplement the meagre Government budget.