The government has implemented emergency measures to tackle prison overcrowding due to sentenced rioters. It’s a move designed to help ease the ongoing prison crisis, and prevent the system from breaking.
Operation Early Dawn Implemented as Emergency Measure
The government has launched Operation Early Dawn, a long-term plan that allows defendants awaiting a court appearance to be detained in police cells for extended time until prison space becomes available.
Defendants Summoned When Space Arises
In an attempt to relieve pressure on the system, defendants will only be summoned to the magistrates’ court when a space is available in prison.
Delays Could Be Felt to Aid Overcrowding
Thus, court cases could be delayed, with accused persons released on bail or imprisoned while awaiting trial.
Governments Prompt Actions Have Led to Influx in Jail
The Ministry of Justice has said, “The government took decisive action to tackle violent thuggery on our streets,” resulting in a large intake of offenders, especially in the prisons in the north of England.
Almost 1000 Persons Arrested Due to Violent Disorder
The recent UK riots have seen the likes of almost 927 people arrested and 466 people charged with involvement in the unrest to date.
Prosecutors Fast Tracking Cases
Over 100 people have already been sentenced, with prosecutors trying to fast-track the cases to get ahead of the crimes.
Riots Due to Spread of Misinformation
The riots broke out after misinformation was spread online after three girls were fatally stabbed in Southport.
Starmer Blames Sunak
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has blamed the emergency measures on the former PM Rishi Sunak’s government.
Inherited a Broken Justice System
He said, “(These decisions are) having to be taken for one reason and one reason only, and that is the terrible inheritance on prisons that we had as an incoming government from the previous government.”
“Manage Pressure” Is Short Term Plan
Prisons Minister Lord Timpson noted that the new operation will help “manage the pressure felt in some parts of the country.”
Prisons at Full Capacity in England and Wales
The prison system in England and Wales currently has a capacity of 89,191 prisoners, with the most recent figures showing a prison population of 87,893.
Most Activity Seen on Prison Grounds in a Long Time
The national chairman of the Prison Officers Association, Mark Fairhurst, told the BBC that the prison grounds have seen the biggest influx of new arrestees in some time.
No Space for New Receptions
Fairhurst says, “We had 397 new receptions”, and only 340 spaces available in the adult closed male estate.”
Arrests Will Be Made Despite Limited Prison Space
However, it should be unequivocally understood that individuals responsible for violent disorder will not evade accountability for their actions, regardless of overcrowding.
New Policy Will Not Compromise Arrest Ability
The Ministry of Justice has said that anyone who “poses a risk to the public” will not be released on bail, and even though there have been changes, this will not compromise the police’s ability to arrest criminals.
Imprisonment in the Area of Residence Isn’t Guaranteed
Fairhurst also emphasised that, depending on availability, those handed custodial sentences might be sent to prisons elsewhere in England or Wales and could be placed hundreds of miles away from where they live.
Those That Need to Be In Prison Will Be
But he assured the public, “We will make sure those people who need to be in prison are in prison.”
Justice System Needs Revamp
Lord Timpson said, “We inherited a justice system in crisis and exposed to shocks. As a result, we have been forced into making difficult but necessary decisions to keep it operating.”
Operation Early Dawn: A Step to Fixing the System
With the new Operation Early Dawn, things are looking more positive, and those in power are starting to see that they can manage the pressure felt in certain areas even though it is an emergency measure. The disorder has highlighted the issues of the justice system, and now they can see what needs to be done to fix it.
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