Second wave of early prison releases under way in England and Wales
Summary
The second group of early prison releases is happening in England and Wales to reduce prison crowding, with about 2,000 offenders being freed this month and more to follow. Authorities plan to closely monitor these released prisoners using new electronic tagging technology and restriction zones, while probation officers consider strike action over pay and workload concerns.Key Facts
- Around 2,000 prisoners, including violent offenders and domestic abusers, are being released early this month.
- Another 3,000 early releases are planned in stages over the next year.
- Prisoners convicted of manslaughter are not eligible for early release.
- The prison population recently increased by about 1,700 people, reaching 87,499.
- Released offenders will be closely watched with new electronic tags and restricted to small areas to protect victims.
- Probation officers, who supervise released prisoners, are unhappy with a 5% pay offer and heavy workloads, and may hold a strike vote.
- The Ministry of Justice claims these are the strictest monitoring measures in British history.
- Victims’ commissioner says the government’s confidence in the plan is not yet matched by the situation on the ground.
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