As part of a package of prison reforms announced today (14 June
2022), which also includes a £25million investment in security
measures, selected offenders’ release will be brought forward by
up to 48 hours to stop them lapsing immediately back towards a
life of crime.
Figures show that around 1 in 3 offenders currently leave prison
on a Friday – giving them just a few short hours to arrange a bed
for the night, register with a GP and sign-up for job support to
keep them on the straight and narrow before services shut down
for the weekend.
This race against the clock can end up with ex-offenders spending
their first days on the streets with little in the way of support
– increasing the likelihood they will commit further crimes.
Under plans announced today by Prisons Minister , offenders with severe
mental health needs or addiction problems, or who have mobility
problems, likely to end up homeless or who have far to travel
home, will be released on the Wednesday or Thursday before their
Friday release date, with strict security screenings in place.
The move is expected to result in significantly fewer crimes each
year – meaning fewer victims, less crime and safer streets.
Prisons Minister , said:
Changing the rules so that well-behaved offenders can be released
a day or two ahead of the end of their sentence will ultimately
result in fewer victims and less crime.
Making sure ex-offenders can get suitable housing and support
ahead of the weekend means they are far more likely to stay on
the straight and narrow – reducing reoffending and making our
streets safer.
Campbell Robb, Nacro chief executive said:
For too long Friday releases have been setting people up to fail.
Our campaign to end Friday releases was driven by the experience
of our staff and service users and we are pleased to see this
change. It is vital this is there for everyone who needs it.
Now people will have vital extra time during the working week to
secure housing, register with probation and access health
services. This will help people have the best chance at their
second chance.
The announcement is part of a package of sweeping reforms
outlined in the government’s response to the public consultation
on its Prisons Strategy White Paper, published in December last
year.
Ministers have also detailed a new £25 million investment in
prison security that will step up the war against mobile phones
behind bars by equipping front-line staff with upgraded,
cutting-edge phone detectors.
The cash will also be used to significantly increase the number
of special machines that can detect microscopic smears of illegal
substances such as spice on prisoners’ mail, stopping dangerous
drugs from getting onto wings and wreaking havoc.
The latest figures show the government’s previous £100 million
investment in jail security has thwarted over 20,000 plots to
smuggle drugs, phones and weapons into prisons over the past 2
years.
Notes to editors
- Early release would also apply to prisoners due to be
released before a bank holiday
- The ultimate decision will be down to Governors, who will
have the discretion to agree to an earlier release date.
- This requires legislation when Parliamentary time allows.
