In a move aimed at alleviating pressure on Scotland’s overcrowded prison system, the Scottish Parliament passed the Prisoners (Early Release) (Scotland) Bill on Tuesday, November 27, 2024. The legislation will reduce the time served by short-term prisoners, cutting their sentences from 50% to 40%. This reform is part of a broader strategy to tackle rising prison populations and ensure better management of the justice system.
Key Details of the New Bill
The bill, which is set to take effect in February 2025, applies to prisoners who are serving sentences of less than four years. However, it excludes those convicted of domestic abuse or sexual offenses, who will not be eligible for early release. The government estimates that up to 390 prisoners could be released as a result of this change, with the rollout taking place in three phases over a period of six weeks to ensure a smooth transition.
Addressing the Overcrowding Crisis
Justice Secretary Angela Constance underscored the urgency of addressing overcrowding within the prison system, describing it as a threat to both staff and prisoners’ safety. She explained that the bill would lead to a sustained reduction in the prison population, allowing the system to focus on high-risk individuals and provide better support to reduce reoffending and help prisoners reintegrate into society.
Scotland’s prison population currently exceeds 8,300 inmates, one of the highest levels in recent years. Despite a 40% drop in recorded crime since 2007, the average sentence length has increased by 32% over the last decade, contributing to the overcrowding crisis.
A Broader Strategy for Prison Population Management
The bill is part of a broader government strategy to manage Scotland’s prison numbers. Earlier this year, emergency measures led to the release of 477 prisoners with fewer than 180 days left to serve, but these measures were only temporary. Alongside early release policies, the government has also increased funding for community-based alternatives to incarceration, aiming to reduce reliance on prisons for low-risk offenders.
Similar Measures Across the UK
Scotland is not alone in grappling with rising prison populations. In the UK, the Labour government has also announced plans to reduce overcrowding by temporarily releasing certain prisoners under community supervision. These international efforts reflect a growing trend towards adopting more community-based sentences to address the issue sustainably, as urged by the United Nations and other global bodies.
As Scotland looks to address its prison overcrowding crisis, the Prisoners (Early Release) (Scotland) Bill represents a significant step in rethinking the prison system. By focusing on early release for short-term prisoners and increasing alternatives to incarceration, Scotland aims to create a more sustainable and humane justice system while ensuring public safety.
