Early Release Scheme 2024-11-05
2024-11-05
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
No specific incident or context was provided other than the general need to assess the short-term emergency measure.
What recent assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the early release scheme?
The immediate purpose was to stop us running out of prison places and avert a total breakdown of law and order. We have managed to avert the crisis with short-term measures but also set out a long-term plan for building prison places. A landmark sentencing review has been launched so emergency releases are never needed again.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Long-term impacts and specific measures taken were not detailed.
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The community justice team in Mid Dunbartonshire is having success in preventing reoffending by working with offenders trauma-informed way.
Does the Minister agree that reducing reoffending is central to cutting crime, job losses, family breakdowns and homelessness? This aligns with the success of a community justice team using a trauma-informed approach.
Reducing reoffending is clear, given that 80% of offenders are reoffenders. Cutting reoffending is a strategy for cutting crime, keeping the public safe, and helping ex-prisoners turn their lives around. The sentencing review will look carefully at short sentences.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific agreement or commitment was not stated directly.
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Concerns were raised last month about offenders who have been released early not being promptly tagged.
Can the Government now provide concrete assurance to the House and public that all offenders are being tagged as they should on release?
After daily monitoring, Serco's performance on tagging has significantly improved. As of 28 October, 98% of tranche 2 SDS40 release visits to install tags had been completed; prearranged alternative fittings are also scheduled.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Concerns about the effectiveness of tagging in protecting public safety if curfews are breached.
Can the Secretary of State tell us whether there have been any breaches of tag-monitored curfews? On average, how quickly are those who commit a breach brought back into custody?
Recall rates for SDS40 releases track similarly with other offenders. Statistics will be published once assured, expected immediately after Christmas.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specifics about recall rates and timing were not fully detailed.
To Be Reviewed
Response accuracy