No ‘other choice’ but to free prisoners early, police watchdog says

The government did not have “any other choice” than to release some inmates earlier than planned to try and avert the collapse of the prison system but it will create a “big responsibility” on other parts of the justice system, the Chief Inspector of Constabulary has said.

Andy Cooke also said this is happening as police are trying to rebuild trust after recent scandals, forces are still failing to meet the public’s expectations and they are letting down too many victims of crime.

Police are still struggling to get the basics right and he described inconsistencies across police forces in responding to the public and investigating crime as “unjustifiable”.

Mr Cooke, who was speaking as he delivered his annual assessment of policing in England and Wales, said: “I don’t really see that the government had any other choice than to adopt this because police won’t stop arresting people – those that need to be arrested and placed into custody should be placed in custody.

“There is always a risk involved in it and you can’t escape that fact. The prisons are full.”

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has claimed the Government has “no option” but to release 5,500 prisoners early, with jails projected to be overflowing by September.

Mr Cooke added: “We have a system where probation is understaffed and overworked. Cases are taking too long to come to court, so I can’t think of any other solution to it than bringing that early release forward.

“However, it does place a big responsibility on the rest of the system including probation and policing to make sure that communities are kept safe.

“Policing is committed to doing so and I have no doubt that probation will also be doing the best to do that but I couldn’t see any other solution to the problem.”

Without fundamental reform to the criminal justice system, victims will continue to struggle to get access to the justice they deserve, he said.

Mr Cooke said: “The police service is trying to rebuild public trust and confidence, and they recognise the scale of this challenge.

“Too many victims of crime are still being let down by the police and the wider criminal justice system.”

He added: “The public rightly expect a responsive, thorough and caring service from the police, the wider criminal justice system, and unfortunately, too often, they are left disappointed.”

In the State of Policing 2023 report, Mr Cooke says levels of crime are on a long-term downward trajectory, but some offences such as violence against women and girls, are still highly prevalent in society.

“The police are trying to prioritise dealing with these. We still have a long way to go to provide a service that all victims deserve,” he added.

Mr Cooke said “the right conditions need to be in place” to help officers do their jobs but there is low morale, large numbers of inexperienced workers and the police funding formula is outdated and unfair.

He suggested that funding should be distributed so that it goes to where it is needed most.

Mr Cooke added: “Unfortunately, morale remains low. Many officers just do not feel valued by the public the government or their force.

“Some have unacceptably high workloads and others are not getting support. They need to develop and reach their full potential. Strong leadership at all levels of the service has never been more important.”

He also recommended that the Government’s fixed police officer hiring target be dropped so that forces can build a more balanced and effective staff.

Mr Cooke said the power of the police is dependent on public approval and respect but scandals over recent years have damaged this.

He said: “We should not have to doubt whether police officers behave in a lawful, ethical and fair manner, but repeated episodes of unacceptable or criminal behaviour have brought this into question.

“We also shouldn’t have to doubt that the police will quickly pick up the phone when we call them for help.

“But too many forces are still failing to get the basics right when it comes to responding to the public and investigating crime. The police must consistently show us they deserve our trust and confidence – both in how they behave and the quality of services they provide.”

Sir Andy Marsh, the College of Policing Chief Constable, said there is a need for high-quality leaders at every stage of policing.Efforts are underway to ensure officers and staff, at all ranks, are given the skills to “set the right culture, have clear expectations, drive innovation and improve performance”.

He added: “It’s this approach, and working to the highest standards, that will regain the public’s trust.”

He also accepted there is a need for policing to be more efficient, use data better and reduce the demand on frontline officers.

Sir Andy said: “I know policing needs to act and deliver fast for the public but I also want to reflect on the hard-working and dedicated men and women who are serving their communities every day. The report rightly highlights their ongoing bravery and commitment to keeping people safe.”