Early Release Is a Dilution of Justice
Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews has branded the early release of prisoners a "dilution of justice", urging the Government to accelerate prison expansion rather than continue easing overcrowding by releasing offenders early.
He said today: "Justice must mean justice. When a sentence has been handed down by a judge entrusted to determine the appropriate punishment, it is wrong that it can be effectively reduced simply because the prison system has run out of space.
"The prison capacity crisis is having consequences right across the criminal justice system. Building more prison places will help ensure offenders serve the sentences imposed by the courts and give police greater confidence that their work to bring criminals to justice is not being undermined."
While welcoming additional funding to support victims affected by the early release scheme, the Commissioner said the policy risks sending the wrong message.
"Victims must never feel as though they come second to the failures of the system. There is understandable frustration when offenders are released early while victims are left feeling overlooked and forgotten.
"The priority must be restoring confidence that justice is being delivered as intended."
Mr Matthews also stressed the need to ensure probation and other public services are properly resourced to manage those released early.
"I want to be confident that probation services have the capacity to supervise offenders effectively and minimise the risk of reoffending.
Without the right support, including access to housing and rehabilitation services, we risk creating further pressure on an already overstretched system."
He added that the prison crisis is creating knock-on effects throughout the criminal justice system.
"The criminal justice system is only as strong as its weakest link. When one part comes under strain, the consequences are felt across policing, the courts, probation and victim services.
There is little point in police putting offenders before the courts if the wider system lacks the capacity to ensure sentences are properly served.
"I am calling on the Government to expand prison capacity, strengthen the criminal justice system and restore public confidence. The law-abiding majority deserve nothing less."
