Tagging early release prisoners will add to police forces' burden, chief warns

Thames Valley Police Chief Constable Jason Hogg has expressed concern that tagging and monitoring early release prisoners will add to the already strained resources of police forces. The government's early release scheme, aimed at easing jail overcrowding, was set to release 5,000 prisoners from October, down from 6,000. However, ministers intervened to exempt rapists and "serious" child sex offenders.

Hogg also welcomed the recent changes announced by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, which block killers of police officers, including those convicted of Pc Harper's manslaughter, from early release. The changes will result in hundreds of additional people remaining in prison, according to Burnham. The Prime Minister plans to create extra space in prisons by deporting foreign prisoners and releasing those serving indefinite sentences, though the implementation of these changes could take years.