Displaying items by tag: early release

Senior police and intelligence leaders, including Met Police commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, have raised concerns over the Government’s plan to release some prisoners early to ease overcrowding. They have warned that the proposals could harm public safety and confidence. While supportive of reform, they cautioned against early release for high-risk and national security offenders, highlighting challenges such as increased police workload, costs of electronic tagging, and community justice undermining deterrence. The Government recently accepted a sentencing review recommending community management for some offenders and early release after serving one-third of sentences, excluding serious criminals. Justice secretary Shabana Mahmood and her ministry claim concerns were addressed in the final policy, promising tighter controls and increased probation funding. Critics across the political spectrum argue for tougher sentencing and greater investment in prison infrastructure to restore justice and security.

The Government is set to release over 1,000 recalled inmates early in an effort to relieve severe overcrowding in prisons. Offenders serving one to four-year sentences who breached licence conditions, but did not reoffend, will now be released after 28 days without parole board assessment. Justice secretary Shabana Mahmood said the move, alongside a £4.7 billion prison-building plan, is necessary to prevent the system from collapsing, with England on course to run out of male prison spaces by November. Critics argue the policy puts public safety at risk. Victims’ advocates warned that the policy could endanger lives, especially where abusers are concerned. The justice ministry faces growing pressure to reform sentencing, with recommendations for expanded use of community-based alternatives expected soon. However, many argue that without stronger investment in probation, mental health services, and preventative support, early release schemes alone will not solve the crisis. See also