THE early release of more than 1,700 prisoners begins today to free more space in a prison system that is dangerously close to capacity. Last week the number of prisoners was over 88,500, a record number. The question now is whether the probation and support services are capable of supporting them after their release; the short answer is no. It is this aspect of the criminal justice system that urgently needs to be addressed — in addition to the calamitous delays in the court system which mean that over 16,600 prisoners on remand are awaiting trial. This is a scandal about which the Prime Minister, former head of the Crown Prosecution Service, knows more than anyone.
There are political risks in early release. If even one of the individuals allowed back into society commits a murder, the public will know who to blame. Yet we should bear in mind that almost all prisoners serve only half of their sentences at present. The difference between serving 40 and 50 per cent of their time is significant, but not transformative. At present, almost one in three prisoners commits a crime on release, usually within a year, and has to go back to prison. We can expect the same of this cohort.
This short-term solution will free up much-needed prison space, but we should not be under any illusion that it is a cheap option. Released prisoners need support in housing, mental health and drug dependency. The probation service is in crisis. There is a shortfall nationally of some 2,000 officers; the service is losing staff, and government plans to increase numbers by 1,000 by next March are not enough. Morale among probation officers is very low in what is a stressful, responsible position. Public finances are under pressure but the service needs far more funding. More open prisons may be a better long-term solution than early release. And if we want to free up space, there are 10,000 foreign nationals serving time in British prisons; where possible, they should do so in their home countries.
Welcome back, Kate
THE Princess of Wales’s news that her chemotherapy treatment is over will have heartened the nation. She presented herself to the nation in a video that was characterised by hope and optimism, and it would take a hard heart not to warm to the spectacle of her children playing with her and Prince William. It was, in fact, a remarkable display of family intimacy. Kate’s bravery in being so open about her condition has given many people diagnosed with cancer fresh heart and at the end of her video she promises to “remain with you”. She hopes to return to limited public duties and this is very good news; she was missed.
Of course her cancer treatment does not end here; as with the King, her recovery will take time. Yet it seems that she is on the way to health, with, as she says, a greater consciousness of the value of the simple things in life. It is a useful lesson which we could all take to heart.
