Offenders leaving prison will face tighter controls on where they can go and what they can do under measures announced today.
Some of the highest risk sex offenders and violent criminals can now be stopped from entering certain areas, with exclusions zones potentially covering just a few miles.
Electronic tagging will also be expanded. New technology will allow probation staff to access location data almost immediately, meaning they’ll be able to respond quicker when offenders breach their conditions.
Criminals can be barred from pubs, clubs and events such as football matches. Thousands will face random drug tests from the beginning of next year.
Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Alex Norris, said: ‘Today we are introducing the toughest ever range of tools to control prison leavers and better protect the public.
‘We understand the anxiety victims face ahead of offenders release dates, but the greatest danger to victims would be prisons running out of cells for dangerous criminals which was the crisis this government inherited.’
Prison systems in England and Wales were just months away from reaching capacity, according to government data showing prison population levels stood at 98.2% on Monday.
Today marks the first of 10 planned released, with the final slated for June 2027. Those freed today had been serving sentences of up to 19 months.
Under the changes, people convicted of rape, serious child sex offences and manslaughter will spend longer behind bars.
Those considered high risk on release will face closer supervision, including curfews and, in some cases, a requirement to live in secure accommodation.
Ministers also plan to introduce powers in 2027 allowing some foreign national offenders to be deported immediately after sentencing.
Nacro, a national social justice charity, said while prisons ‘cannot do their job if they are full’, the measures ‘will not solve the prison capacity crisis.’
‘The most effective way to reduce pressure on prisons in the longer term is to ensure people have the support they need in the community to resettle successfully and avoid reoffending or breaching their licence conditions,’ the charity said.
‘The government must also tackle the high number of people being recalled to prison. Prison places are currently being filled by people who, with the right support and appropriate risk management, could be safely managed in the community.’
Katie Kempen, chief executive at Victim Support, said releasing prisoners early will ‘bring renewed anxiety, fear and uncertainty for many – and no one should be left to navigate that alone.’
‘Supporting people through the impact of crime is why Victim Support exists. While it’s wholly unacceptable that victims continue to bear the brunt of a justice system in crisis, we are glad to be able to provide free, independent, specialist support at this critical time,’ she added.
‘Our specially trained advisers will give callers the space to be heard, provide practical guidance to protect their safety and wellbeing, and help them to understand next steps.’
Image: Umanoide/UnSplash
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