Skip to content

News

New CoE guidelines for organisations managing community santions and measures

On 22 March 2017, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (CoE) adopted a new guidelines document for organisations managing community sanctions and measures in Member States.  This document – CM/Rec (2017)3 – Recommendation on the European Rules on Community Sanctions and Measures (CSM), was developed by the CoE’s Council for Penological Co-operation (the PC-CP).

 

Rules about CSM were first adopted in 1992 in form of the Recommendation No. R(92) 16, European Rules on Community sanctions and measures.1 Another Recommendation on “improving the implementation of the European rules on community sanctions and measures” Rec (2000)22 was adopted in 2000.2 The Council believes that an update was required, bringing together the substance of the two earlier Recommendations and taking account of the many changes that have taken place since 2000. The starting point was to study these two earlier Recommendations.

The new document, which combines, updates and replaces two previous recommendations on CSMs, from 1992 and 2000 respectively, can be downloaded here.

The Council of Europe has an unique experience in promoting more humane and socially effective prisons. To this end a number of legal instruments have been adopted including the European Prison Rules and recommendations on education in prison, prison staff, health care in prison and prison overcrowding. These legal instruments have been brought together in one publication, the Compendium of conventions, recommendations and resolutions relating to penitentiary questions.

These instruments have been prepared by either the Council for Penological Cooperation, which is a standing advisory body to the European Committee on Crime Problems, or by ad hoc expert committees.

 

Related News

Keep up to date with the latest developments, stories, and updates on probation from across Europe and beyond. Find relevant news and insights shaping the field today.

Probation Journal

juvenile offenders, Probation in Europe

Overview of Probation Procedures for Juveniles and Adults in Albania

22/07/2026

The Albanian Probation Service plays an important role in the implementation of alternative sanctions and measures for both juveniles and adults. Through supervision, assessment, and rehabilitation-oriented interventions, the Service aims to support compliance with court decisions, reduce the risk of reoffending, and promote the successful reintegration of individuals into society.

Community Sanctions and Measures

Nelson Mandela day

18/07/2026

Nelson Mandela Day reminds us that justice is not only about accountability – it is also about hope. Mandela believed in the dignity of every person and in the possibility of change. These principles are at the heart of probation.

Across Europe, probation professionals work every day to support people in taking responsibility for their actions, rebuilding their lives and successfully reintegrating into their communities. By promoting rehabilitation, social inclusion and human dignity, probation helps reduce reoffending and contributes to safer, more resilient societies.

New

CEP

Meet Ruth Armstrong, CEP’s new Research Policy Officer

14/07/2026

In early July 2026, Ruth Armstrong joined CEP as a Research Policy Officer. This is a new part-time role supporting the implementation of CEP’s Research and Development Strategy. Working with the Secretary General and the Expert Group on Research, Ruth will coordinate CEP’s research activities, exploring and building partnerships in research between academics and practitioners across Probation in Europe where members access, question and use evidence in their everyday work.

Recap

CJPE summer course, Gender-based violence

She Matters: Advancing Gender-Responsive Criminal Justice Through Cross-Sector Learning in Barcelona.

13/07/2026

From 7 to 10 July 2026, more than 60 criminal justice professionals from across Europe and beyond gathered in Barcelona for the 8th Criminal Justice Platform Europe (CJPE) Summer Course, hosted by the Centre for Legal Studies and Specialised Training (CEJFE) of the Government of Catalonia. Bringing together professionals from probation, restorative justice and prisons, the Summer Course once again demonstrated the unique value of cross-sector learning, international cooperation and professional exchange.

Reading corner

Probation in Europe

Dohľad

08/07/2026

The authentic world of probation and mediation, in which professional work intersects with human destinies, is brought to you by the publication through case studies revealing the diverse life stories of convicts and the dynamics of their relationship with probation and mediation officers.

Probation Journal

CEP

New Publication: CEP, Probation and the Digital Future

02/07/2026

The latest issue of the Journal of Offender Monitoring features an English version of Gerry McNally’s chapter, CEP, Probation and the Digital Future, first published in 2023 as part of the Portuguese book Execução das Penas e Medidas na Comunidade no Futuro Digital, edited by Nuno Caiado.

Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!