Technological innovations and international prison policies are
among things being studied as part of the Government's Sentencing
Review.
The review, which aims to end the crisis in our prisons and make
sure the country always has the prisons space needed to keep
people safe, will consider how other jurisdictions who have faced
similar capacity challenges have been able to tackle rising
prison populations and reducing reoffending.
To ensure the review considers all aspects of the justice system,
including the impact of changes on victims, an expert panel has
been appointed to support independent chair . This includes former Chief
Executives of the Crown Prosecution Service, and HMPPS, , as well as former Lord Chief
Justice and Executive Director of End
Violence Against Women Andrea Simon.
The review will be further informed by a call for evidence
launched today [Thursday 14 November] with academics, experts and
the public encouraged to share ideas for innovation and reform
over the next eight weeks.
Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice said:
“No Lord Chancellor should be put in the invidious position I was
on taking office – faced with a prison system on the verge of
collapse. We must make sure there are always a cell to lock up
dangerous offenders.
“This panel represents a wealth of experience. I have no doubt it
will be invaluable in delivering a review which will help set out
the long-term plan for our prisons.”
The panel appointed to support are:
-
– Previous Lord Chief
Justice (2017 – 2023)
- Catherine Larsen KPM – A retired inspector from Avon and
Somerset whose work included transforming the way rape and
serious sexual offences are investigated by the police
- Nicola Padfield KC (Hon) – Criminal Law Barrister and
academic at the University of Cambridge and Director of the
Cambridge Centre for Criminal Justice
- Sir – Former Chief Executive of
Crown Prosecution Service (2007-2016), Former Registrar of the
International Criminal Court (2023).
-
– Former Chief Executive of
HMPPS (2010-2019)
- Andrea Simon – Executive Director at End Violence Against
Women Coalition (EVAW)
The call for evidence will explore key themes including the
structure of sentencing, use of technology as tough alternatives
to custody, custodial and non-custodial sentences, as well as the
individual needs of both victims and offenders.
Review Chair said:
“This review will investigate how we can create a more effective
criminal justice system, looking to jurisdictions who have faced
similar challenges, and at how we can harness new technology to
manage offenders in and out of prison.
“I welcome responses to the call for evidence which challenge
current thinking, are innovative, and which spotlight how best
practice can be scaled, so we can build a justice system which
works both now and in the future.”
Alongside the call for evidence, international learnings will be
a central focus for the panel. Sweden and the Netherlands
have both used technology to manage offenders in and outside of
prison and tackle rising prison populations. This has included an
electronic monitoring system integrated between prisons and
probation in the Netherlands, and using mobile apps in Sweden to
support rehabilitation outside of prison, such as improving
attendance at probation meetings.
Texas faced similar capacity challenges to England and Wales in
the early 2000s. In 2007, prisons were at capacity and the
population was predicted to rise, needing an additional 17,000
cells over the next five years. Under a system implemented by a
Republican governor, prisoners can now reduce the time they spend
in custody by participating in courses aimed at tackling the root
causes of crime, and for good behaviour. The Texan prison
population has now decreased by over 20,000 and crime in the area
has fallen.
In developing its recommendations, the Sentencing Review will
follow 3 core principles to ensure a sustainable justice system:
- make sure prison sentences punish serious offenders and
protect the public, and there is always the space in prison for
the most dangerous offenders
- look at what more can be done to encourage offenders to turn
their backs on a life of crime, and keep the public safe by
reducing reoffending
- explore tougher punishments outside of prison to make sure
these sentences cut crime while making the best use of taxpayers'
money
The review will submit its findings in full to the Lord
Chancellor by Spring 2025.
Notes to editors:
- The seven key themes the call for evidence will explore are:
-
- History and Trends in sentencing
- The Structure of sentencing
- The use of technology within sentencing
- Community sentences
- Custodial sentences
- The progression of custodial sentences
- The individual needs of victims and offenders
