Recent data from watchdogs has unveiled concerning statistics about the UK's early release scheme, which operated until September 2024. The program, aimed at alleviating prison overcrowding, has resulted in up to 20% of released prisoners being recalled within four months due to reoffending or license breaches.
The scheme, which ran from October 2023 to June 2024, saw over 10,000 inmates freed up to 70 days before their scheduled release. This initiative is part of a long history of early release programs in the UK, dating back to the 1960s. However, the current data raises questions about its effectiveness and impact on public safety.
One of the most alarming findings is that approximately one-third of the released prisoners were identified by prison and probation services as potential risks to the public. Despite these concerns, they were still released into the community. This situation highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing prison population management with public safety, a issue that has persisted since the establishment of the modern UK prison system in the 12th century.
The data from HMP Winchester, a facility originally built in 1846, provides a stark example of the scheme's outcomes. At this Category B prison, 21% of early-released inmates were recalled within a four-month period. Probation sources suggest this rate is typical for Category B and C prisons across the UK.
Homelessness among released prisoners has emerged as a significant concern. Nearly 38% of those released early had no fixed address, a factor known to increase the likelihood of reoffending by a third. Charlie Taylor, the Chief Inspector of Prisons, has previously warned that up to a quarter of early-released inmates were sent out homeless, describing the situation as "astonishing."
The issue of homelessness among released prisoners is not new, but it has been exacerbated by the early release scheme. At HMP Peterborough, a unique dual-purpose prison housing both men and women, some inmates were released 18 days early despite having no address to go to. Tragically, some returned to prison before their original release date had even passed.
"A man was released directly from the segregation unit under the early release scheme while inspectors were visiting, only to be brought back into custody before the 11-day inspection visit was over."
This quote from the HMP Lewes inspection report underscores the challenges faced by the early release program. HMP Lewes, built in 1853, is one of over 100 prisons in the UK, including both public and private facilities.
The Ministry of Justice, established in 2007, has yet to publish comprehensive data on the recall rates for the early release scheme. However, if the HMP Winchester figures are representative, it could mean that at least 2,000 of the 10,000 early-released prisoners were recalled within four months.
The UK's high imprisonment rate, one of the highest in Western Europe, has contributed to persistent overcrowding issues. With the average cost per prisoner per year in England and Wales at approximately £44,000, the financial implications of the revolving door effect are significant.
In response to these concerns, a Ministry of Justice spokesperson stated that the new government has scrapped the previous early release scheme, replacing it with a system designed to give probation staff more time to prepare for a prisoner's release. This change comes as the UK grapples with reoffending rates that have remained around 29% for the past decade, despite various initiatives including electronic tagging introduced in 1999.
As the UK continues to navigate these complex issues, the early release scheme's outcomes serve as a stark reminder of the challenges in balancing prison population management, public safety, and successful offender rehabilitation.