Some penologists regard various forms of early release from prison or a
varying of the prison sentence after it has been passed as encompassed within the idea of
alternatives to prison. Community service also plays a part here. In some countries,
community service is the responsibility of the Prison Service, with offenders being
released to serve the latter part of a prison sentence in the community. Prison officers
then have the duty of supervising the offenders in the community, a task for which their
training may not have prepared them.
Other post-sentencing dispositions may include allowing prisoners to leave prison and
stay at home or in half-way houses under supervision, releasing prisoners to attend work
or education courses and various forms of parole.
