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Comment on emergency measures to release prisoners early

Published:

Comment from Charlie Taylor, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons on the early release of prisoners

This is a critical point for prisons, with barely any places left and the effects of existing measures such as ECSL being exhausted. A decision needed to be taken, and none would have been without risk.
 
While we therefore welcome recognition of the seriousness of the situation, and swift action to manage the prison populations to relieve the immediate strain many jails are under, this latest measure will inevitably lead to the early release of some risky offenders, and will add to the workload of already stretched prison OMUs and probation services. How these men are prepared for release and how prisons and probation are supported in managing them will be vital. We will be watching this very closely as well as any plans that are developed once the immediate pressure is relieved that seek to make prisons places of genuine purpose, help people to break the cycle of reoffending and protect the public from future harm.
 
Charlie Taylor, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons

Notes to editors

  1. HM Inspectorate of Prisons is an independent inspectorate, inspecting places of detention to report on conditions and treatment and promote positive outcomes for those detained and the public.
  2. Find out more about our role on our website: https://hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk
  3. Read Charlie Taylor’s blog on previous measures to release prisoners early: Preparing prisoners for release – HM Inspectorate of Prisons (justiceinspectorates.gov.uk)
  4. Read Charlie Taylor’s November 2023 blog warning on the looming population crisis: Why the prison population crisis is everyone’s concern – HM Inspectorate of Prisons (justiceinspectorates.gov.uk)
  5. Please email media@hmiprisons.gov.uk if you would like more information.