#prison-overcrowding

#prison-overcrowding

Serious violent crime in England and Wales should be expected to rise unless urgent steps are taken to boost the probation service. That is the alarming warning from Martin Jones, HM chief inspector of probation. He estimates that 100,000 offenders on probation are currently not being properly managed. This overstretched service cannot be expected to manage the increased workload that will follow from sentencing reforms.

The report lays bare the reasons why prisons have become so consistently overcrowded over so many years to the point of frequent near-collapse.

The riot reportedly broke out on Saturday after inmates expressed anger over extortion and abuse by members of the Grupo Sombra criminal organization at the prison.

The approach to reduce prison overcrowding has led to significant opposition regarding its impact on police resources and public safety.

Under proposals aimed at addressing overcrowding in prisons, offenders could serve community sentences that involve tasks such as filling potholes, instead of serving time in jail.