Early prisoner release scheme risks more serious crime, probation chief warns
The chief inspector of probation for England and Wales has told the BBC the early release of thousands of prisoners could lead to "a serious
The chief inspector of probation for England and Wales has told the BBC the early release of thousands of prisoners could lead to "a serious sexual or violent offence or even murder" because of the demands on probation staff to monitor offenders.
The government is set to release 5,000 offenders from October as part of new laws to create more space in overcrowded prisons. Probation officers supervise offenders after prison sentences and check they follow the terms of their release, such as sticking to curfews and not taking drugs.
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said "protecting the public is our top priority", adding it had invested in probation and hiring trainee officers. For the
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