The Scottish Prison Service has recently implemented a new policy called Prisoners (Early Release) (Scotland) to address the issue of overcrowding in prisons. Under this new policy, prisoners serving sentences of less than four years will now be eligible for early release once they have completed 40% of their sentence, as opposed to the previous 50% requirement.
This initiative is expected to result in the release of approximately 260-390 short-term prisoners in three separate batches. The first batch is scheduled to be released from Tuesday to Thursday, followed by the second batch from March 4-6, and the third batch from March 18-20. It is important to note that individuals convicted of domestic abuse or sexual offenses will not be eligible for early release under these new guidelines.
The Scottish Government anticipates that this change will lead to a 5% reduction in the overall sentenced prison population. This decision comes on the heels of a previous early release program that saw 477 convicts being released last summer in an effort to alleviate overcrowding issues. However, concerns were raised as 61 of those individuals were later returned to custody.
A recent report from late 2023 highlighted the significant challenges faced by the Scottish Prison Service, including issues such as understaffing and overcrowding that have overwhelmed the system. The current prison estate has a maximum capacity of 8300 individuals, with double cell occupancy being utilized to accommodate this number. As of the latest data from the SPS, there are currently 8289 prisoners within the system.
In an effort to keep victims informed, the Victims Notification Scheme (VNS) will automatically notify victims of any changes to a prisoner’s release date if they are signed up for the program. Victims who are not part of the VNS can also directly contact the Scottish Prison Service to receive information about prisoner releases. Additionally, victims have the option to nominate organizations like Victim Support Scotland, Rape Crisis Scotland, ASSIST, or Children First to receive information on their behalf.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance emphasized that reducing the prison population is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach. She mentioned legislative measures that have been taken, including the early release of some short-term offenders, along with broader reforms such as the bail and release act and the children in care and custody act. Constance also highlighted the shift away from sending individuals under the age of 18 to prison, instead opting for secure accommodation when necessary. The government continues to invest in community justice initiatives as part of a comprehensive strategy to address overcrowding in prisons.
In conclusion, the implementation of the Prisoners (Early Release) (Scotland) policy represents a proactive step by the Scottish Prison Service to mitigate overcrowding challenges and reduce the burden on the prison system. By prioritizing early release for certain eligible individuals and keeping victims informed throughout the process, the government aims to strike a balance between public safety and effective prison management.
