Prisoners freed early are returning to jail at rapid rate, governors tell BBC

Prison governors have expressed concerns that early released inmates are returning to jail at an alarming rate, according to the BBC. The 2024 early release scheme, aimed at easing overcrowding, has seen many of the same inmates reoffend or breach their release conditions after coming back. One Midlands governor described the situation as a "revolving door" and expressed frustration with the high number of prisoner recalls, which increased by 28% from the previous year.

The government has announced changes to the next early release scheme starting in October, excluding those convicted of unlawful killing. However, prison staff argue that these measures are only short-term solutions and that more prison space is urgently needed. Overcrowding has also led to increased gang tensions within prisons, as inmates from different regions are placed together, raising fears of violence.

The lack of space has forced cells to be used for two inmates, causing health and safety concerns. The government is working on creating more prison space by repurposing existing spaces, but this process could take months.