Early Releases Underway As Prisons Have Only 238 Spaces Remaining

With fewer than 250 spaces remaining in men's correctional facilities across England and Wales, the Justice Secretary has authorized the largest early release initiative from prisons in nearly two decades.

 

Alex Chalk has implemented emergency measures aimed at releasing hundreds of individuals, including burglars, shoplifters, and violent offenders, up to 60 days earlier than scheduled to address the escalating crisis. Additionally, plans have been unveiled to reduce the number of foreign inmates, which currently exceeds 10,000, by denying tourist visa applications from nations unwilling to repatriate their citizens marked for deportation. Furthermore, Chalk has confirmed intentions to deport foreign shoplifters, thieves, and drug dealers rather than pursuing prosecution.

 

These decisions come amidst alarming statistics indicating that male prisons are operating at 99.7% capacity, leaving only 238 available spaces out of an operational capacity of 85,000. Women's correctional facilities are also at 96.9% capacity, with only 118 spaces remaining. A source within the prison service expressed grave concerns, stating, "It is dire. It means the prison system could not handle an incident that put a lot of people in custody or if there was a riot in a jail. Who knows whether it can sustain the normal operation of the courts sending offenders to jail?"

 

Recent approvals by Chalk have allowed for the release of prisoners up to 35 days prior to their scheduled release, doubling the previous allowance of 18 days. Anticipating potential overflow, ministers are considering extending the early release period to 60 days or beyond. An estimated 40,000 inmates qualify under the current early release program, which applies to individuals serving fixed sentences and would typically be released halfway through their terms. However, exclusions apply to sex offenders, convicted terrorists, category A prisoners, and violent offenders serving sentences of four or more years.

 

With courts expected to handle an increased caseload and prosecutions following the addition of 20,000 police officers, the looming possibility of prisons reaching full capacity within weeks underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the growing pressure on the criminal justice system.

 

The Johnson Partnership

Nottingham Solicitors

 

01159 419141