Care must be taken to not lump everyone together. For some types of crime against property, such as break and enter, a scale could be established, giving a conditional sentence for a first or second offence. This could be realistic or possible if we want to give people a chance.
Now, in my 29 years as a police officer, I've met police officers, victims, members of the general public and the silent majority, and no one understands why criminals who commit crimes against the person would be given conditional sentences. A well-informed public cannot be in favour of that because we're talking about sexual assault, assault, threats, blows and assault with a weapon. These criminals who commit violence against women, children and men cannot take priority. Priority must be given to their victims, the people who are being hit and threatened. These people should be given priority and kept safe. Criminals should therefore not be allowed to return to the community without supervision.
The reality is that, beyond the principles, there is no supervision during parole or release. Parole officers can be required to handle 250 people. There is no real supervision, and the same is true for conditional sentences. Criminals find these measures lax, and they laugh at them and take advantage of them.