‘Grave concerns’ over emergency early release of prisoners in Scotland

Rob Hay says this is not only putting the public at risk but “piles pressure” on an already stretched police service.

In June this year, the Scottish Parliament agreed regulations enabling the early release of some short-term prisoners. This was in response to critically high numbers of prisoners within the Scottish Prison Service estate.

The Scottish government said this was “not a decision taken lightly”, adding: “We made it clear that emergency release would not bring about a sustained reduction in the prison population. It was necessary to provide immediate relief to the pressure on the prison system and ensure the safety of Scottish Prison Service staff and those in their care.”

During the emergency release process only short-term prisoners serving sentences of under four years and with fewer than 180 days left to serve were eligible for release.

No one serving sentences for domestic abuse, a sexual offences or subject to non-harassment orders were eligible for release. In addition, governors were given ‘veto powers’ if a prisoner presented an immediate risk to a specific individual or group or themselves.

During emergency early release, 477 people were released in four tranches during June and July. Of those released early, 65 per cent had 90 days or less left to serve and 79 per cent were serving two years or less.

However, Mr Hay said within weeks, more than ten per cent of those released were back in prison, some as a result of having committed violent offences.

“We have grave concerns about the early release of prisoners back into Scotland’s communities,” he said.

“The public are being put at risk. Every crime committed and every victim who suffered at the hands of those criminals represent an avoidable consequence of this misguided Scottish government policy.

“To release prisoners early, knowing further offending is likely to occur, piles pressure on a police service already stretched to breaking under unsustainable demand.

“The only comfort I can offer the public is that where police officers encounter released prisoners who remain involved in crime, we’ll do all we can to ensure they end up back in custody, where they belong.”