In an effort to alleviate overcrowding in Scottish prisons, the government has initiated the early release of inmates. The plan, which begins this week, will see the release of up to 390 prisoners serving sentences of less than four years. This move comes after emergency legislation was passed last year, allowing eligible inmates to be freed after serving 40% of their term instead of the usual 50%. However, prisoners convicted of domestic abuse or sexual offenses are not eligible for early release.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance emphasized the need to reduce the high prison population, stating that overcrowded prisons are not conducive to rehabilitating inmates or ensuring the safety of staff and the community. As of last week, there were 8,344 inmates in Scottish prisons, surpassing the target operating capacity of 8,007.
This is not the first time such measures have been taken to address overcrowding. Last summer, 477 prisoners were released early, but some ended up back in custody before their original release date. The release of more than 1,700 prisoners in England and Wales last autumn aimed to tackle similar issues.
Victim Support Scotland (VSS) and the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) have encouraged crime victims to sign up for a notification scheme to be informed of prisoner releases. However, only a small percentage of victims have enrolled so far. VSS CEO Kate Wallace highlighted the concerns of victims regarding their safety and well-being when offenders are released.
One victim, Lynn Burns, whose son was murdered in 2013, expressed her distress upon discovering that one of the perpetrators had been released early. She emphasized the importance of feeling safe in communities, especially for victims of crime. The early releases have triggered anxiety and trauma among victims, underscoring the need for improved support and communication.
The situation at Barlinnie prison in Glasgow exemplifies the challenges of prison overcrowding. The historic facility, designed for fewer inmates, is currently operating at 140% capacity. The governor has acknowledged the difficulties faced by both staff and inmates in such conditions, describing the prison as a “pressure cooker.” While the early release measures are deemed necessary, there is recognition that some released individuals may re-offend, highlighting the complexities of the prison system.
“In this prison, we strive to do our best. Our primary focus is on individuals being released under this particular program,” he explained. “We work to guide people towards personal development,” Mr. Stoney added.
A controversial replacement for Barlinnie, HMP Glasgow, is currently under construction at an estimated cost of nearly £1 billion, with plans to open its doors in 2028.
Former inmate Jordan Robertson is in the process of rebuilding his life as an artist, following a series of short-term sentences for crimes associated with gangs. Having experienced the impacts of overcrowding firsthand, he shared, “I’ve witnessed the decline of the system, as it has significantly worsened from my first incarceration to my most recent one.”
Robertson expressed concern that individuals were essentially being “warehoused” due to the courts’ inability to keep up with the demand. He viewed the early release scheme as a temporary fix for overcrowding rather than a solution to addressing reoffending, emphasizing the importance of long-term rehabilitation efforts.
Critics from various political perspectives have condemned the early release program, attributing it to the Scottish government’s flawed approach to criminal justice. The justice spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives, Liam Kerr, squarely blamed the SNP for the crisis of overcrowding, citing their failure to construct new prisons in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Calls for justice reform have been ongoing since the Scottish Prisons Commission, led by former Labour first minister Henry McLeish, highlighted the need for a fresh approach over 16 years ago. Despite Scotland’s high incarceration rates, McLeish’s commission underscored that imprisonment alone was ineffective in addressing underlying issues such as violence, substance abuse, and alcoholism.
Lynn Burns, a mother who tragically lost her son to murder, now advocates for victims navigating the justice system and echoes the sentiment that significant changes are imperative. She emphasized the importance of balancing punitive measures with rehabilitation efforts, pointing out instances where alternative sentencing options could be more fitting.
According to Burns, the focus should not only be on punishing offenders but also on providing adequate care and support for victims. She stressed the necessity of reevaluating current practices, asserting that the existing system is failing to yield positive outcomes.
