The temporary release system can play an important role on a number of fronts. On the one hand, it can assist in the prevention of the commission of crime and safeguard the community while, on the other, seek, on a humanitarian basis, to help offenders to take the important step away from crime and into more positive and law abiding lives. Temporary release may be granted for various reasons to prisoners serving sentences of imprisonment. Short-term releases may be granted for different periods, ranging from a few hours to one or two days, and for a variety of reasons, including compassionate reasons such as the illness or death of a near relative. Efforts are also made, where possible, to plan structured temporary releases for re-socialisation purposes and to plan for the reintegration of offenders into the community.