Sussex Police Expresses Concern Regarding Certain Early Prisoner Releases

Sussex Police has verified that 32 inmates have been discharged throughout Sussex as part of the Early Release Scheme. An additional 178 individuals are slated for release within the county between the present time and the conclusion of 2025. Chief Constable Jo Shiner stated that while some instances had “given her cause for concern,” “robust systems” had been implemented to strive towards preventing reoffending. The government is implementing the early release of certain offenders as part of its continuous emergency strategy to alleviate severe overcrowding within correctional facilities. The 32 inmates were released during September and October, falling under the initial two phases of the scheme. Individuals serving sentences exceeding five years are being granted release on licence after completing 40% of their term. Those found guilty of serious violent crimes, sex offences, or terrorism are not eligible for early release. Mrs Shiner noted that the total number of individuals released to date was lower than the initial projection of 44. She indicated that the Integrated Offender Management Team had “gripped it well,” resulting in minimal impact on the service. However, she further commented: “I don’t think it would be right to say that I don’t have any qualms about the scheme. I think it’s good that we have got really robust management in place.” Daily management meetings are conducted to monitor released offenders if Sussex Police possesses intelligence suggesting a likelihood of reoffending. “There are some cases that have given me cause for concern, but because of the robustness of the governance structure we become aware of those very soon.“We are very aware of what our reoffending rate is amongst those who have been released and we are very good at targeting those that we have information or intelligence about who may be prone to offending and we make sure we tackle that behaviour very quickly.” Mrs Shiner also stated that it would be “wrong not to acknowledge the impact” that early releases have on the victims and some of the witnesses involved in those cases. The inmate population has been expanding by approximately 4,500 individuals annually, a rate exceeding the pace at which previous governments constructed new cells. Last month, a spokesperson for Sir Keir Starmer indicated that although the prime minister “shares the public’s anger” regarding individuals being released from prison early, “there was no choice not to act.” The spokesperson further added, “If we had not acted, we would have faced a complete paralysis of the system.”