Sentencing Review

Responding to the publication of the Sentencing Review today, Community’s National Secretary for the Justice and Custodial Sector Gavin Miller said:

“We welcome the Sentencing Review and this government’s commitment to tackling the overcrowding crisis in our prisons. After fourteen years of underfunding and neglect of the sector by the previous Conservative government we know that this will not be an easy project – and there are no quick fixes – but this is a much needed re-set and will hopefully work towards establishing a well-developed justice system.

“We note that the recommendations in the review around non-custodial sentences will require a significant increase in the use of electronic tagging and monitoring services. This will mean that our members in the field will need to be properly resourced, and closer ties will need to be built between the probation service and EMS to ensure the service can be both efficient and deliver.

“We also need more detail on how the progressive changes in sentencing will be implemented in practice, with safeguards in place to prevent the system being abused. The public’s safety must always be the number one priority.

“The publication of the review this week follows on from the Justice Secretary’s announcement of historic investment in the prison estate last week. We welcome both developments, and would highlight the potential for the private sector to step up to play a key role in delivering services at the new prison facilities planned, however it must be acknowledged that a commitment to rehabilitation is crucial going forward – we cant build our way out of this crisis.

“At the same time, it is crucial that investment in the prisons estate and wider justice sector is accompanied by investment in the workforce who have held together a creaking system for years. Our members in prisons, EMS and PECS should be properly recognised and rewarded for the work they do. We need to ensure that experienced staff are retained, and that all justice workers are able to undertake their duties safely and without fear of violence. That means minimum staffing levels on wards will be essential, coupled with tough, meaningful responses for those who assault staff.”