Violent and sexual offenders subject to early release will be confined to zones of no more than “a few miles” in an effort to ensure community and victim safety.
The plan, which was first reported by The Mirror, will build on existing exclusion zones that prevent offenders from visiting the homes and workplaces of victims.
Implementation is set to begin following the completion of Andy Burnham’s review into early prisoner releases, with the Prime Minister expected to announce the findings when Parliament returns in September.
What are the changes?
According to Justice Secretary Alex Norris, the “tough new restrictions” will include GPS monitoring and see victims given a say in defining the boundaries of zones in which offenders must remain.
“I’m determined that no victim should have to look over their shoulder, change their routine, or live in fear of crossing paths with the person who harmed them,” he said.
“That’s why we’re introducing tough new restrictions on sexual and violent offenders, confining them to areas just a few miles wide and using GPS technology to monitor their movements.
“It’s simple: offenders should carry the consequences of their crimes, not their victims.”
While offenders’ movements will be severely limited, the zones will be outlined in a way which ensures access to key services in order to reduce the chance of re-offending.
When could the plan come into force?
The Government is attempting to move quickly as it seeks to assuage community anger over the early release of serious offenders.
Thousands of prisoners are set to have their sentences shortened as part of a bid to reduce overcrowding in jails, although Burnham moved to pause the policy in the face of outrage over the potential release of two men involved in the killing of PC Andrew Harper.
The Prime Minister ordered a review into the prison release scheme and is expected to announce its findings once MPs return to summer recess on 1 September.
Norris’ pledge suggests the Government could move quickly to implement further changes, potentially before October.
Thousands of prisoners are set to have their sentences shortened as part of a bid to reduce overcrowding in jails (Photo: Dan Kitwood / Getty Images)Changes build on previous announcements, but may not be enough
In response to growing anger over the potential release of men tied to the killing of PC Harper, and broader concerns from victims groups about community safety, Burnham has already declared some prisoners originally eligible for release will no longer see their sentences shortened.
Those convicted of rape, serious child sex offences and grooming will no longer qualify for early release.
However, the Prime Minister’s options are limited by a severe shortage of capacity in prisons nationwide.
The Ministry of Justice has warned the prison population will overtake capacity as soon as this November, meaning there is little time to deliberate on how to best address the issue.
It also means some potential solutions, such as simply constructing additional holding capacity, may not be feasible or come too late to significantly ease overcrowding problems.
Compounding the issue, sentencing data shows the number of people in the UK to have been handed prison sentences has spiked, and the average length of incarceration has also climbed.
As a result, it appears likely the Government will be forced to find more solutions for freed offenders as it works to address the issues forcing their early release.
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