PCC statement on prisoner early-release announcement

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Katy Bourne OBE has released the following statement regarding the prisoner early-release announcement

"The Government's decision to exclude those convicted of rape, serious child sex offences and grooming from the prisoner early-release scheme is welcome news but this climbdown should never have been necessary in the first place. Despite numerous warnings, this Government ploughed ahead not giving a thought to the anguish they were putting victims through. Yet again today, we see victims learning their fate from a press release. They deserve better than this.   

“Victims of these horrific offences need the reassurance that the people who have caused them such acute harm will continue to serve the custodial sentences that were originally intended.

“Over recent months, I have heard directly from victims across Sussex after they received, unexpectedly, letters stating how the early-release scheme could affect offenders in their cases.

“For many, the reaction was one of real anxiety and distress.

“Some told me the letters brought back traumatic memories they had worked hard to move beyond, while others were fearful about the possibility of offenders being released earlier than they had expected and questioned why they had put themselves through the anguish of a court case in the first place.

“Those concerns were entirely understandable and highlight just how important it is for victims' voices to be heard when changes to sentencing and release arrangements are being considered.

“I do therefore welcome the renewed commitment to strengthen support for victims, improve communication and give victims a greater say in licence conditions and restrictions placed on offenders when they are released.

“Additional investment in trauma-informed services, together with a dedicated helpline, should help ensure victims are better informed and supported throughout the process.

“The proposals for tougher community supervision, GPS-monitoring and enhanced risk management for sexual offenders are positive measures but, like me, the public will rightly want to know how these arrangements will work in practice.

“Victims need confidence not only that offenders will be supervised but that the agencies responsible for managing them have the resources and capacity to act quickly when risks emerge or conditions are breached.

“Strong supervision must be delivered in practice and not just promised in policy.

“I have real concerns that increased offender management in the community will have a detrimental impact on police resources.

“As Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, I will be seeking assurances that Probation Services and other criminal justice organisations have the funding, capacity and tools needed to manage these additional demands effectively, without detracting from the neighbourhood policing and victim-focused services that communities rely upon.

“I would also like to see greater clarity about how these changes fit into the longer-term direction of sentencing policy.

“Victims and the wider public need confidence that sentences continue to reflect the seriousness of offences and that public protection remains the overriding priority.

“In Sussex, I remain committed to helping victims access the support they need.

“While I recognise the significant pressures facing the prison estate, we must never lose sight of the people most affected by crime.

“Victims need to know that dangerous offenders are being properly managed, that their concerns are being taken seriously and they will continue to receive the support they need to move forward with their lives. My office will continue working with Probation Services and other criminal justice partners to ensure that victims have access to support if they need it.

“Anyone affected by crime can visit Safe Space Sussex, our online directory of support services, which provides access to specialist organisations offering practical advice, emotional support and guidance, whether a crime happened recently or many years ago.

“Above all, public protection and victims' confidence in the justice system must remain at the heart of any reform."