Scot and as begun releasing almost 400 inmates as part of emergency laws aimed at tackling rising prison overcrowding, with first offenders released this a Tuesday. This comes as in 2024 Scotland’s daily prison population had just hit 8,000 levels – a six per cent rise from the previous year.
The Scottish Prison Service admitted that the prison system was suffering from “considerable pressure” caused by overcrowding for more than a year. Under the new law, which came into effect on February 11, it is legally possible to release people sentenced to under four years early after 40% of their time has been served. Ask these do no include individuals that after faced conviction for the domestic abuse & sexual offences.
It is anticipated the move will cut prisoner numbers by 5% – but it is not a solution that is going to be permanent, pointed out a spokesperson for the Scottish government. “This Act will deliver a steady decrease in prisoner numbers so the prison estate can continue to operate squarely in the 21st century,” Scottish Justice Secretary Angela Constance said. 
This move is typical of similar actions in the U.K. where England and Wales freed more than 1,700 prisoners in September 2024. As the U.K.’s entire prison population rose above 97,000 last year and projected to swell by 4,500 a year, official are feeling the heat to reform sentencing.
However, concerns still exist regarding victim notification. Victim Support Scotland were disappointed in the government’s failure to enhance communication (22.8.20) – only 2% of victims were informed during a previous release in August 2024. The early release could have a devastating effect on the confidence in the justice system that the public has, said CEO Kat Wallace.
Authorities assure that they will maintain a close relationship with the justice sector for the sake of the safer community and more prisoner rehabilitation.
