Community Service in Rijswijk: Unpaid Work as Punishment

Community Service in Rijswijk: Unpaid Work as Punishment

In Rijswijk, a community service order is a popular community sanction where convicted individuals perform unpaid work for local institutions, organizations, or private individuals. This helps the offender take responsibility for their behavior without immediate imprisonment. The District Court of Rijswijk imposes this for less serious offenses, with a maximum of 240 hours.

Why Does the District Court of Rijswijk Opt for Community Service?

The community service order serves as an alternative to imprisonment and is frequently chosen by judges in Rijswijk for cases such as shoplifting in the city center, vandalism in parks, or minor traffic offenses without significant risk. Benefits include: the individual remains at liberty, works on reintegration, and contributes to the Rijswijk community. It saves on detention costs and adds positive value to the neighborhood.

Legal Basis for Community Service

The community service order is provided for in the Dutch Criminal Code (Sr), articles 22b to 22f Sr. It was introduced by the Community Service Act (2004). Key rules:

• Article 22b Sr: Community service or learning penalty up to a maximum of 240 hours.
• Article 22c Sr: Performance of unpaid and involuntary work.
• Article 22d Sr: To be completed within one year, with possible extensions.
• Article 22e Sr: Non-compliance results in substitute imprisonment (1 day per hour, maximum 1 year).

Enforcement is handled by the Custodial Institutions Agency (DJI) and the probation service. For advice on community sanctions in Rijswijk, contact Het Juridisch Loket Rijswijk.

How Does the District Court of Rijswijk Impose Community Service?

Following a ruling by the District Court of Rijswijk, the probation service prepares a pro justitia report on feasibility. Conditions:

1. Age over 18 (juveniles handled under juvenile criminal law).
2. Low risk of recidivism.
3. Consent of the convicted person (refusal often leads to imprisonment).
4. Suitable for physical/mental work.

Afterward, an intake with the probation service assigns a workplace, such as cleaning in Rijswijk care centers or park maintenance for the Municipality of Rijswijk.

Performing Community Service in Rijswijk

Under probation supervision, in shifts of 4-8 hours, often evenings or weekends to accommodate work or studies. Local examples:

• Cleaning in Rijswijk hospitals or shelters.
• Gardening for the Municipality of Rijswijk.
• Assistance in neighborhood centers or food banks in Rijswijk.

DJI works with around 800 employers, including local partners. Sick leave requires proof; absenteeism risks sanctions.

Rights and Obligations for Community Service

Rights:

• Choice of suitable placements where possible.
• Extensions for illness/pregnancy/work issues (art. 22d Sr).
• Travel expense reimbursement.
• No discrimination.

Obligations:

• Complete within the deadline.
• Be punctual and follow rules.
• No alcohol/drugs.
• Report to supervisor.

What If Problems Arise?

The court decides on substitution. In 2022, around 15,000 were imposed nationwide, with 85% success rate (DJI). In Rijswijk, high compliance due to local support.

Real-Life Examples from Rijswijk

Example 1: Mr. Jansen steals from a Rijswijk store (art. 310 Sr). District Court of Rijswijk: 120 hours at a neighborhood center, repairing bikes for the elderly. Liberty preserved.

Example 2: Ms. De Vries causes accident under influence (art. 8 Road Traffic Act). 200 hours at local addiction clinic: cleaning and office work. Completed, no jail.

Example 3: Young graffiti artists in Rijswijk neighborhood. 80 hours with Municipality of Rijswijk: restoring parks. Lessons learned, clean slate upon success.

Differences from Other Penalties

See articles on conditional penalties or prison sentences.

Frequently Asked Questions for Rijswijk