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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Vikram Dodd and Rajeev Syal

Government triggers crisis measure to ease prison overcrowding

The imposing facade of a Victorian-era prison
HMP Wandsworth in London is facing calls from the prisons watchdog to be placed into emergency measures over concerns about security, overcrowding, drugs and self-harm. Photograph: Lucy North/PA

The government has formally triggered a crisis measure to ease prison overcrowding by using police cells to house inmates.

The confirmation of Operation Safeguard by the Ministry of Justice follows a decision to consider releasing some prisoners 70 days before their sentences were due to end.

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