The prison population has approximately doubled in the last 30 years, with an annual increase of about 4,500. The government has initiated a review of sentencing practices to address prison overcrowding, exploring alternatives to custody. The Ministry of Justice stated that the review, led by former Justice Secretary David Gauke, will assess the use of technology to implement a “prison outside prison” concept.
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood elaborated in the House of Commons that this could involve expanding home detention curfews using ankle tags to enforce a form of house arrest. Gauke will also explore options like enforced community service or fines as alternatives to custodial sentences.
The review will also focus on sentencing serial offenders, considering shorter and longer sentencing frameworks. The government aims to protect the public and punish serious offenders while ensuring there is adequate prison capacity. Plans to increase prison capacity by 14,000 are in place, with the ultimate goal of never exceeding the number of available prison spaces.
The Sentencing Review will emphasize the effectiveness of prison and punishment, ensuring dangerous offenders are incarcerated while providing opportunities for rehabilitation to those willing to turn their lives around. Gauke is expected to complete the review by spring 2025.
In a parallel effort to address prison overcrowding, the government has authorized the early release of prisoners. This initiative excludes individuals convicted of domestic abuse, terrorism, or serious violent offenses. However, concerns have been raised about the inadvertent early release of prisoners, including those convicted of domestic abuse-related offenses.
Additionally, the government is collaborating with the Home Office to expedite the deportation of foreign national offenders. With around 10,000 foreign national offenders in UK prisons, efforts are being made to streamline the deportation process to reduce costs and ensure effective punishment for offenders. Please rewrite this sentence.
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