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In August 2024, Operation Early Dawn emerged as an emergency government plan after the riots and England’s struggle against terrorism has caused the overcrowding situation in prisons to worsen. Defendants waiting for a court appearance are held in police cells for longer, until space in prisons become available, taking a sort of one in one out approach.
Starting in Early September, to ease overcrowding, some prison sentences’ serving time before parole would be cut from 50% down to 40%. This does not apply to those convicted of terrorism, sex offences, domestic abuse, some violent cases, and those convicted over the riots.
Operation Early Dawn can have a positive impact on prisoners, transforming the approach to incarceration and rehabilitation by offering prisoners a genuine second chance. A custodial sentence isn’t always the right route for rehabilitation as it often neglects necessary support needed for offenders, such as mental health support, skill development, and community reintegration, and instead puts prisoners back in the offending cycle.
This measure will not impact ongoing trials or the ability of the police making arrests. However, many cases may be delayed, with practitioners not knowing if their clients’ cases are delayed until they arrive at court. Defendants with serious cases will be given priority, while others will be released on police bail.
It is clear that something needs to be done to address the issue of prison space. The question is whether this will be enough? Or indeed, whether this is the solution. Let us know your thoughts!
