The British government is considering implementing a system allowing prisoners to earn early release for good behavior, inspired by practices in Texas, as part of a response to significant prison overcrowding.
U.K. Explores U.S. Good Behavior Model to Combat Prison Overcrowding
U.K. Explores U.S. Good Behavior Model to Combat Prison Overcrowding
A new independent review suggests that the U.K. should adopt a good conduct policy similar to that used in Texas to alleviate the increasing overcrowding in prisons.
The Wandsworth prison in London, known for severe overcrowding and unsanitary conditions, has become a focal point in a recent report commissioned by the U.K. government. The independent review, presented to Prime Minister Keir Starmer's administration, advocates for a new policy enabling inmates to achieve early release based on good behavior, mirroring a similar approach used in Texas.
David Gauke, a former justice secretary, was asked to devise strategies to address the looming prison capacity crisis. Current projections from the Ministry of Justice predict that by March 2029, over 100,000 prison places will be needed in England and Wales, whereas the current capacity stands below 85,000.
The report highlights that in late 2024, to counteract overcrowding, more than 16,000 inmates were released early as a temporary measure. Gauke cautioned that even with plans for new prison constructions, they would still not meet the impending demand. He noted a significant "political narrative" from the previous Conservative government, which pushed for stricter sentencing policies that inadvertently increased prison populations.
Stressing an "urgent need for change," Gauke pointed out that demand for spaces is dangerously close to exceeding available capacity, necessitating short-term emergency solutions.
