Hundreds of inmates to be released early as Scotland faces prison crisis

Angela Constance

The prison population has increased sharply by around 400 in the past two months, and 13 per cent since the beginning of 2023. At 8,348 it is one of the highest levels ever recorded.

Despite significant work taken forward across the justice system since the population began rising last year, the Justice Secretary has confirmed that there is now a critical risk to the continued safe and effective operation of prisons.

Ms Constance has proposed taking urgent action, including the proposed emergency release of short-term prisoners who were due to be released within the next short while. This will only be done with Parliament’s agreement in this instance, and public safety will remain a priority.

If agreed, an early release scheme, which would have safeguards built in, would mean:

• only prisoners serving short sentences of under four years who have 180 days or less left to serve will be considered for release
• prisoners such as those given a life sentence, or serving a sentence for sexual offences or domestic abuse, will be automatically excluded
• prison governors will have the power to veto the release of any prisoner they deem an immediate risk to a specific individual or group

Following a statement to Parliament, Ms Constance underlined the importance of public safety.

She said: “Protecting the public remains an absolute priority and the bedrock of every decision that we take. I have consistently said that I would only use emergency early release if it was absolutely necessary, so this is not a decision that I take lightly - and I appreciate the concerns it will raise.

“Due to the rapid rise in the prison population - creating an unprecedented situation similar to challenges faced across the UK - immediate action is needed to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Scottish Prison Service staff. We need to ensure prisons can function effectively, focus on those who pose the greatest risk of harm, and provide programmes that help reduce reoffending.

“Our proposal for emergency early release has specific safeguards built in. It will only be available to those serving short sentences under four years who are due to be released within the coming months. In addition, no one serving a sentence for domestic abuse or sexual offences will be released, and a veto can be applied by governors for anyone deemed a risk to a specific individual or group.

“I am committed to ensuring that Parliament considers the approach before a single prisoner is released. We will also be engaging with victims organisations, local authorities and other key partners.

“Scotland is not alone in managing a high prison population. England and Wales are also experiencing similar issues and are operating a rolling early release process to manage prison overcrowding, which they introduced in October 2023, and have recently extended.”