Police consulted on early release reforms, UK government insists

Police consultation confirmed in early release scheme dispute, Ministry of Justice says

Tensions rise over early prison release as Met commissioner claims exclusion from planning

The UK Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has defended its early release policy for offenders, stating that senior police figures, including the Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, were consulted during the development of the plan. This assertion follows criticism from Rowley, who claimed that the reforms were advanced without proper assessment of their impact on law enforcement.

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood responded directly to Rowley’s concerns, asserting that the measures to address prison overcrowding were necessary to prevent further deterioration of the criminal justice system. According to Mahmood, the current pressure on correctional facilities requires urgent reform.

Sentencing changes aim to ease overcrowding

The early release initiative, part of recommendations from former Justice Secretary David Gauke’s sentencing review, proposes several key changes to the justice system in England and Wales. These include allowing offenders to be released after serving just one-third of their sentences and eliminating short custodial terms for most crimes. The policy also suggests introducing suspended sentences of up to three years in length.

While the government has only accepted these proposals “in principle,” officials are now preparing detailed legislation, which is expected to be presented before Parliament prior to the summer recess.

For context, this follows broader criminal justice concerns, such as efforts to reduce prison populations and manage growing systemic strain—an issue previously explored in our coverage of UK prison reform challenges.

Police express resource concerns

Despite assurances from the government, Sir Mark Rowley voiced skepticism during an interview with BBC Radio 4. He warned that the reforms could lead to increased workloads for police forces already facing resource constraints.

“We’re still recovering from years of austerity cuts,” Rowley said. “Forces today are smaller in comparison to the populations they serve than they were 10 to 15 years ago.”

He emphasized the need for clear data from the MoJ about the types of offenders who would remain in the community rather than being incarcerated, in order to properly assess the operational impact.

An internal police source echoed Rowley’s concern, suggesting that more offenders outside prison would inevitably mean more work for frontline officers, especially given depleted reserves and staffing shortages.

Security agencies raise safety warning

In a rare coordinated move, Rowley, the head of MI5, and the National Crime Agency jointly addressed the Ministry of Justice in a letter expressing concerns over public safety. They warned that implementing the early release policy without parallel increases in police funding could be a “net detriment to public safety.”

The letter, submitted before the review’s publication, argued for additional resources in the upcoming spending review, expected on 11 June. The officials highlighted that adequate investment is essential to uphold public order as policy shifts unfold.

Furthermore, Rowley and five other senior officers warned that the government risks missing critical crime reduction targets unless police departments receive adequate support. These targets include Labour’s commitments to halve knife crime, address violence against women and girls, and add 13,000 new frontline officers.

Government maintains dialogue is ongoing

In response to the backlash, a government representative emphasized that consultations with police have taken place and are continuing. “The department and David Gauke consulted with police. The justice secretary accepted the recommendations ‘in principle,’ and further details will be clarified during the legislative process,” the source noted.

Shabana Mahmood is expected to work closely with law enforcement and parliamentary bodies as the new sentencing bill is finalized. According to MoJ officials, an impact assessment will be released when the legislation is formally introduced.

As the UK grapples with balancing justice reform and public safety, the unfolding debate underscores the complexity of reducing incarceration without compromising law enforcement effectiveness.

Stay tuned to The Horizons Times for ongoing coverage of UK criminal justice reforms and their national impact.