Early Prisoner Release in Scotland Aims to Ease Overcrowding

Scotland plans to reduce its prison population. The government thinks it will drop by about 5%. Prisoners will be released in three groups; the first group goes out between Tuesday and Thursday.

Another release happens March 4-6. The final group will leave March 18-20. Prison officials warned about inmate number issues, citing “critical challenges.” Sex offenders and abusers won’t get early release.

Angela Constance is the Justice Secretary. She said prisoner release is vital now, as high prison numbers are a problem. Released inmates are serving various sentences, including violent crimes and dishonesty.

She spoke on BBC’s Good Morning Scotland, noting that a significant number committed violent crimes. The goal is a big, lasting drop in prisoners. This helps prisons hold the riskiest people and aids rehabilitation, reducing re-offending.

Prison work links to community safety, she stated. Prison bosses warned about rising inmate numbers. First Minister John Swinney called prisons “bursting”, as they held over 8,300, exceeding capacity.

An earlier release freed 477 inmates. This emergency measure aimed to ease overcrowding last summer. Some re-offended and went back to prison then, and overcrowding returned within months of that action.

The Justice Secretary admits the first release was temporary. However, present changes should give lasting relief, and she expects a drop in the prison population soon.