New sentencing options mooted for SA

Allowing minor offenders to serve prison sentences in the community under strict conditions is one option in a review of South Australia's sentencing laws.

Justice Reform Minister John Rau says new technologies, such as GPS, provide ways of protecting the community while supervising offenders more effectively and efficiently and could lead to better rehabilitation outcomes.

"This is not about letting offenders off easily," Mr Rau said.

"While public safety remains paramount, flexibility in our sentencing provisions could provide for more effective long-term outcomes."

The government has released a community discussion paper on sentencing options as part of a complete review of the state's sentencing act by the end of the year.

The paper asks if some individuals, who would otherwise be sent to jail, could be punished and rehabilitated in other ways following a proper risk assessment.

Mr Rau said while many things worked well in SA's justice system, there were areas in need of improvement.

"Our system must hold offenders appropriately accountable for their actions, but we must also attempt to break the cycle of re-offending, he said.