The ministries of Justice and Social Affairs are looking into alternative punishments for juvenile offenders with a test case due to be started at one correction center. The ministries want to see a reduction in the number of inmates at juvenile correction houses and, according to an official at the Ministry of Social Affairs, will be looking at alternatives to jail sentences with judges, the Commission for Investigation and Prosecution, the police, prison authorities and the Emir's Office to see the results of the test case. The ministries' plans follow a study conducted by a judge in Ras Tanura which showed that 98 percent of judges support alternative verdicts. The study said that alternative punishments would not seek to eliminate jail terms but instead find the most suitable forms of deterrence and rehabilitation to protect society. The study concluded that jail terms and lashings of the whip were overused and that imprisonment failed in most cases to serve their purpose, citing a high rate of return to crime in former inmates. Jail sentences, the study said, might even have an adverse effect, especially short terms given for relatively minor crimes. Suggestions for alternative sentences included community work such as cleaning mosques, planting green areas, helping at care homes for the elderly and working at public libraries. The tasks, the study noted, should in no way be demeaning or make the offender feel that prison might be preferable. The study also said that alternative punishments would reduce costs on the Ministry of Social Affairs which covers the expenses of correction house inmates, estimated at around SR100,000 per year for every offender, a sum which covers housing, food, water, clothing, education, health expenses, as well as social and psychiatric services and prison security. Sources said that around 75 percent of inmates in Jeddah's Correction Houses for juveniles have been sentenced for theft or fighting, with each facility housing around 250 juveniles, a number which increases noticeably during summer vacations. The remainder have been charged for murder, acts offending morality, and involvement in traffic accidents. Eighty-five percent of offenders are said to be non-Saudis. The Ministry of Social Affairs also plans to increase the number of courses for juveniles and intends to approach the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation with a view to providing young offenders with constructive activities. The ministry further hopes to release more inmates for good behavior and memorizing the Qur'an, in accordance with regulations.
