PCC welcomes pause to prisoner early release scheme

Responding to news that the Prime Minister has paused plans to release some prisoners early, Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey said: 

"As chair of the Cleveland Criminal Justice Board, I am pleased to hear that the Prime Minister has paused plans to release some prisoners early.

"Local representatives have raised concerns with me about the increased pressure early releases will place on agencies, including the police and the probation service, without any additional investment to support. This in turn raises questions about how public safety can be assured.

"I fully support the decision to conduct an urgent and thorough review of this policy, with a request that the Ministry of Justice places the best interests of victims and survivors at the heart of their decision-making."