Surrey has the lowest rate of imprisoning women in the country, thanks in part to a rehabilitation scheme for low-level crimes.

Figures released by the Prison Reform Trust show that the imprisonment rate for 2019 was just nine per 100,000 women in Surrey. The police force area with the highest imprisonment rate was South Wales, with 62 per 100,000 women.

Surrey's low rate can be attributed to two schemes which have been rolled out across the county over the last five years.

The Women's Justice Intervention scheme, which was introduced in 2016, recognises that traditional justice isn't always the best way of preventing re-offending, and that working closely with offenders outside of the court system can be much more effective.

While that scheme targeted women offenders, a new broader scheme for all eligible adults, based on Durham Constabulary's Checkpoint programme, was launched in Surrey in 2019.

Surrey Checkpoint is a deferred prosecution scheme for lower-level offences, which aims to reduce reoffending with what the force calls 'targeted interventions'.

That scheme incorporates Checkpoint Plus, which also includes women with multiple previous convictions and more complex needs.

Offenders are told about the scheme when they are charged with an offence, cautioned or summoned.

A contract is drawn up with the offender after taking into account the views of the victim, and the offender's particuar needs. The contract could include work in the community, counselling, help with mental health, drink or anger management, or a face-to- face apology. The offender may also be offered advice and longer-term help with debt or housing issues. If they complete the agreement, the case is closed and isn't recorded as a criminal conviction.

If they don't complete the agreement, the file will be sent back to the investigating officer for them to continue with a caution or charge.

Surrey Police Checkpoint Manager Ailsa Quinlan said: "To hear that Surrey imprisons the lowest number of women in the country is great news and testament to the hard work and determination of all those involved in running the scheme.

"We are very proud that the data shows that of the 200 men and women who completed their Checkpoint intervention between 7 January 2019 and 31 January 2020, only 12 had reoffended when we assessed these a year later. This is a re-offending rate of 6%, compared to a national average of over 25%.

"The Checkpoint scheme means that women who commit lower-level offences are still able to live with their families and children and are provided with the support they need to get over their trauma and live safely within their communities. I would like to say a big thank you to everyone involved – I am really proud of what we have all achieved."

Police and Crime Commissioner David Munro said: "The Surrey Checkpoint scheme is one of only a few in the country, and I am delighted to see that all the hard work that has gone into making it a success from the force team and my office is really paying dividends.

"One of my key priorities as PCC has been to reduce reoffending in the county, which has included a real focus and support for providing alternatives for women in the criminal justice system. I strongly believe if the right services are offered to offenders then we can help steer them away from returning to a life of crime, meaning the communities in which they live will also benefit."

"I have seen first-hand the dedication and professionalism of the Checkpoint team and I would like to congratulate all those involved for the achievements that have clearly been made so far. I look forward to seeing Checkpoint go from strength to strength and continue to make a real difference to our communities in the future."