Instead of Prison: A study of the Rehabilitation of Offenders in Non-institutional Sanctions, Sweden

Abstract: This study investigated the rehabilitation of offenders in non-institutional sanctions from the perspectives of the probation officers in Sweden. Hereby, the study uses the concept of probation officers as professional social workers. While non-institutional or community based sanctions can be examined its effectiveness through programmes and clients’ point of views, in this study more focus was put on the reflections of professional social workers upon the whole process of offenders’ rehabilitation. However the study was specifically based on probation officers’ working experiences with the organization i.e probation service, treatment programmes as well as offenders, all towards the main goal of reducing crime and increasing safety in society. In general the study surveyed the correctional services in Swedish criminal justice system through non-institutional sanctions, which are favoured sentences in Sweden. Furthermore, it reviewed the rehabilitation process in non-institutional treatments and how probation officers view the process in relation to their experiences. It was conducted through in-depth interviews with five probation officers at probation service (Frivården) West Region – Gothenburg, Sweden. Moreover, the use of documentation method of collecting data was necessary in conducting this research. The study revealed that probation officers are pleased with the rehabilitation process in non-institutional sanctions despite the shortcomings highlighted in performing their duties. The emphasis is put on treating offenders in more human way and to involve mutual trust so as to build a good working relationship for a successful rehabilitation process. This situation is difficult to achieve when they work in coercive kind of institution.