What is a key feature of an Intensive Correction Order?

An Intensive Correction Order (ICO) is designed to provide a community-based sentence that serves as an alternative to incarceration in prison, while still maintaining strict supervision and requirements for the offender. The emphasis on up to 24/7 monitoring along with strict rules is a defining aspect of an ICO. This arrangement ensures that individuals are held accountable for their behavior while residing in the community, allowing for rehabilitation efforts rather than confinement.

The focus on rigorous monitoring is crucial because it aims to reduce reoffending and promote public safety. Offenders under an ICO typically must adhere to a range of conditions, such as attending rehabilitation programs, maintaining employment, or following curfews. This close supervision helps the justice system keep track of the offender’s progress and compliance.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately reflect the core purpose or structure of an Intensive Correction Order. The requirement for a minimum of one week in prison isn't applicable to an ICO since it is explicitly designed to avoid prison time. Mandatory community service hours may be part of the conditions set by a court, but they are not a fundamental characteristic unique to an ICO. Lastly, a guarantee of early release is not aligned with the nature of an ICO, as it functions independently of conventional prison terms and does not