Scotland to Release Hundreds of Prisoners Early in Bid to Alleviate Jail Overcrowding

Over 500 inmates in Scotland are set to be freed earlier than scheduled in a phased approach beginning at the end of this month, following approval from Members of the Scottish Parliament.

Scotland correspondent @Jenster13

Wednesday, June 12, 2024, 6:

Legislation enabling the urgent provisional release of inmates was approved, following support from MSPs for the Scottish government's initiative aimed at alleviating overcrowding in Scotland's prisons.

Approximately 514 inmates are set to be freed in four separate groups, beginning at the end of this month.

Only prisoners who are serving sentences of less than four years and have fewer than 180 days remaining will be eligible for release.

Individuals incarcerated for life, as well as those imprisoned for sexual, domestic violence, or terrorism-related crimes, will be categorically barred from participating in the program.

Prison wardens will have the authority to deny the release of any prisoner they consider to be an "immediate threat" to particular persons or communities.

Timeline:

– First group: Inmates with fewer than 45 days remaining will be released on June 26 and 27.

– Second group: Inmates with 45 to 89 days remaining will be released on July 3 and 4.

– Third group: Inmates with 90 to 134 days remaining will be released on July 10 and 11.

– Fourth group: Inmates with 135 to 180 days remaining will be released on July 17 and 18.

Qualified inmates who are not released during the designated period will be freed as soon as feasible before the final date of the process, which is July 25.

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The decision was made in response to a surge in the number of inmates, which, according to Justice Secretary Angela Constance, is placing the prison system under severe strain.

Ms. Constance informed the Holyrood assembly in May that there had been a significant rise in the number of inmates, with an increase of approximately 400 in just two months, and a 13% rise since the start of 2023.

As of May 16, the figure reached 8,348, marking one of Scotland's all-time highs. It has recently decreased to 8,294, yet this number remains higher than the target capacity of 8,007.

Following support from MSPs on Wednesday, starting June 13, the Scottish government will have the authority under section 11 of the Bail and Release from Custody (Scotland) Act 2023 to release inmates during emergencies.

After receiving the green light from the Scottish parliament, Ms. Constance stated: "Quick and decisive measures are required to address the substantial increase in the number of inmates recently observed."

Prisons throughout the UK encounter consistent issues, prompting the UK government to implement comparable measures in both England and Wales.

"This urgent early release strategy, supported by parliament, addresses the critical circumstances and guarantees the safety and well-being of both staff and inmates."

"Safeguarding the community is my top concern, which is why we have implemented stringent and effective measures to ensure that only individuals scheduled for release in the near future are eligible."

"Discharges will be carried out in stages to ensure that adequate assistance is available for the safe reintegration of freed inmates back into their communities."

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Further reading: Inmate speaks out on 'disorder' due to severe overcrowdingEarly prison release program leads to 'high-risk criminals being freed'

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Victim Support Scotland has previously expressed concerns regarding the notification process for victims.

Individuals who are not enrolled in the victim notification program will need to reach out to one of four designated support groups to determine if the perpetrator involved in their case is part of the early release group.

Scottish Conservative justice spokesperson Russell Findlay stated, "Numerous victims of grave offenses will initially learn of this through this evening's news broadcast. This is likely to provoke worry and distress."

"Inmates being released have been convicted of severe offenses, such as acts of aggression."

Ms. Constance stated that the Scottish government is collaborating with organizations that assist victims to guarantee that information and support are accessible as required.

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