“We have grave concerns about the early release of prisoners back into Scotland’s communities. In June and July, a total of 477 prisoners were released early due to concerns over rising prison populations. Within weeks, over 10% of those released were back in prison, some as a result of having committed violent offences.
The public are being put at risk. Every crime committed and every victim who suffered at the hands of those criminals represent an avoidable consequence of this misguided Scottish Government policy.
To release prisoners early, knowing further offending is likely to occur, piles pressure on a police service already stretched to breaking under unsustainable demand. The only comfort I can offer the public is that where police officers encounter released prisoners who remain involved in crime, we’ll do all we can to ensure they end up
back in custody, where they belong.”