The prosecutor asks the Probation Service to assess the accused offender’s suitability for community service.

Suitability assessment determines the accused offender’s potential to carry out community service. The assessment is based on an interview of the offender. In addition, necessary information regarding the assessment is acquired from various authorities. The purpose is to assess the offender’s life situation and motivation to carry out community service. If necessary, various support services can be planned to secure that the service is carried out successfully. The offender is compensated for necessary travelling expenses caused by the suitability assessment.

Finally, the district office of the Probation Service draws a statement on the accused offender’s capacity to carry out community service. Negative statements are usually based on the offender’s uncontrolled substance use. If the court considers that the offender is not capable of carrying out community service, the sentence is not then used.