A Probation Order puts the offender under the supervision of a Probation Officer for a period of between six months and three years, during which probation staff will assess and manage the risk in order to assist the offender to avoid re-offending and thus protect the public. A Probation Order can last between 6 months and 3 years.
A Community Service Order requires the offender to do unpaid work in the community. It can be given to someone aged 16 or over convicted of an imprisonable offence if the offender consents and may be between forty and two hundred and forty hours duration.
A Combination Order is a sentence that combines a Probation Order and a Community Service Order. The period of Probation supervision can last from 1 to 3 years. The Community Service part of the Order can range from 40 to 100 hours and must be completed as instructed.
A Custody Probation Order is a sentence of the Court requiring an offender to serve a period of imprisonment (offence must justify 12 months or more) followed by a period of supervision in the community (the period of supervision will be 1 to 3 years commencing on date of release), and is unique to Northern Ireland.
A Juvenile Justice Centre Order is a sentence of the Court requiring a young offender (aged between 10 and under 17 years) to spend time, normally three months, in a Juvenile Justice Centre and then be supervised in the community by a probation officer, normally for three months. This sentence may be up to a maximum of two years.
A Life Sentence Licence applies to any person serving a life sentence who will be released from custody on licence. An individual must comply with the conditions of his licence in order to remain in the community and not be returned to custody. Conditions of a licence may include, for example, being placed under the supervision of a nominated Probation Officer, not changing a place of residence or employment without the consent of a Probation Officer, and keeping in contact with a Probation Officer in accordance with instructions.
A Sex Offender Licence-Article 26 of the Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 makes provision for all offenders convicted of a sexual offence to be released on licence under the supervision of a Probation Officer.
A GB Transfer Licence-any individual subject to licence may, given the agreement of the Probation Board for Northern Ireland, transfer to Northern Ireland from another jurisdiction in Great Britain.