In response to official forecasts that jails will run out of space by July next year, despite the early release of thousands of prisoners, more than 1,200 criminals jailed for over five years will be freed early on Tuesday. Ms Mahmood is expected to confirm that David Gauke will head the review of sentencing to ensure there is enough space for the most dangerous criminals.
The extension of Home Detention Curfews (HDCs) to 12 months could lead to their wider use by judges for offenders who would typically go to jail. Ministry of Justice data shows that people on HDCs are half as likely to reoffend as those released straight from prison.
“We have an opportunity now to reshape and redesign what punishment outside of a prison looks like,” said Ms Mahmood. The review will explore the use of “nudge” watches worn by convicted offenders to help change their behavior.
Community alternatives will be necessary as the review considers scrapping most short sentences. Mr Gauke advocated for more effective community sentences and the use of new technologies like electronic tagging and drug monitoring.
Ms Mahmood wants the review to look at successful schemes from around the world, including Texas, where “good behavior” credits in jails halved reoffending rates. The review will also consider recategorizing more offenses as domestic abuse and reviving plans for whole life orders for certain crimes.