Not too long ago, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had to work on managing the jail capacity crisis. New problems have risen, threatening the initial plans to resolve capacity problems.
Labour Taking Over From Tory – Prison Capacity Crisis
The Labour government had to step in to manage the full-to-capacity jail crisis, partially in place during the Tory government. The program continues with prisoners released sooner if convicted of non-violent crimes. The release before their full-term sentence lapse would follow with supervision.
Mitigating Near Capacity Prisons
Lord Chancellor Shabana Mahmood has previously said, “Our prisons are at the point of collapse,” according to Gov.UK. However, other plans are in place to assist in mitigating the problem.
Future Plan for Building New Prisons
The Government has also announced a long-term plan to build more prison facilities, resolving the prison crisis plaguing the UK. In a speech, Mahmood said that the “prison building program” will continue in addition to the other plans to free up space.
The Resolution for Now
The “early release” plan of 2023 is still in place as a means to free up space for UK prisoners. Prisoners serving 40% of their sentence could be released sooner if they’ve committed non-violent crimes.
Emergency Solution
You.Gov noted that the majority of prisoners locked up serve “Standard Determinate Sentences,” or SDS. According to Mahmood, the SDS percentage has dropped from 50% to 40% as an emergency measure during the capacity crisis.
SDS Is Not for Everyone Serving Jail Time
Those serving longer-term to life because of dangerous crimes are exempt from the SDS program. According to Gov.UK, only a parole board could decide if dangerous offenders were to get out sooner than their time. The process would follow a risk assessment that will determine the outcome.
Early Release With Strict Measures
Strict “safeguards” are set in place for those on the early release SDS program to continue keeping the public safe. The early release includes protocols to “manage them safely in the community.”
Scheduled for September
However, according to the UK government, the first lot of prisoners are only scheduled for early release in September. So far, under this scheme, an estimated 10,000 convicts have been released early.
Destructive & Dangerous
During early August, the UK saw the start of public destruction and weeks of unrest. Participants have committed arson, mass looting, and more criminal acts. These crime-driven offenses have resulted in local police taking action.
Jails Filling Up Some More
UK police are faced with managing the streets as people continue their violent spree. Often, suspects are locked up, and the number of rioters being arrested is adding to the jail capacity crisis.
Very Limited Space for Rioters
According to the Guardian, over 300 offenders have been charged since the start of August. Mark Fairhurst of the Prison Officers Association confirmed that there were currently only 340 more vacancies in the men’s prison “able to receive rioters.”
Over 700 Charges Since July
So far, there have been over 1,000 arrests and nearly 700 charges since the end of July. Not only is it costing the state and taxpayers, but it’s also adding strain to the police system and prison crisis.
Violence Is Unacceptable
In an interview with Sky News, Assistant Chief Constable Nikki Leaper “confirmed six new arrests” tied to the riots in Plymouth, Devon. She also reiterated the police force stance, saying, “We will deal with any criminal offense robustly. We will not accept violence on our streets.”
Peaceful Protests
She further noted that the police are there “to facilitate peaceful protests…people in this country can absolutely have peaceful protests.” however, violence is unacceptable, she said.
Additional but Limited Prisons
The court’s minister, Heidi Alexander, said there were additional places to serve as prisons for a limited time.
Temporary Facility
According to the UK government, the HMYOI Cookham Wood for young offenders would be repurposed to house the rioters who are being convicted. Furthermore, the young offenders in the facility are said to be transferred to another establishment.
Awaiting Prosecution
Sky News reported that there were “dozens” of people who had a date in court, some charged with violence, “racially aggravated harassment,” and instigating conflict in the form of rhetoric.
Full Force of the Law
Chancellor Mahmood stated on social media, “It doesn’t matter who you are, or what you’re protesting – if you turn up in a mask with a weapon, intent on causing disorder, you will face the full force of the law…”
Not Against Protests, but Against Crime
Chief Constable BJ Harrington confirmed sentiments similar to those of Chief Constable Leaper: “We’re not anti-protests, we’re anti-crime. Policing will deal with stuff where it’s unlawful, where it’s violent.” Harrington said, – The Guardian
Public’s Reaction
According to You.Gov, a poll revealed that 7% of Britons were fine with and supported the protests, while 85% are against the unrest on the streets since August.
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