Member

“The pace of change feels urgent, as if we are racing against the clock. I appreciate the reasons for urgency, but this speed exacerbates my reservations. The reforms set out in the Review place great emphasis on community and licence supervision, as more offenders are diverted from custodial sentences. My overriding concern is whether the already stretched probation service can withstand this additional pressure. … The review also recommends early release for prisoners who behave in prison. Compliance with prison regimes is important, but other important factors must also be taken into account, such as remorse, and evidence of a reduction in risk”.