New initiatives to reform criminals

The vast majority of prisoners will be given rehabilitation in order to stop the cycle of reoffending under a new initiative set out by Prime Minister David Cameron.

Until now, only inmates who receive sentences in excess of one year are given help to change the course of their lives. Now this is set to be extended to all but a small number of high-risk prisoners by the end of 2015. The Prime Minister has described the new approach to criminal justice as “tough but intelligent”.

Charities and firms who provide assistance for offenders are also more likely to be paid on the basis of results. However, Mr Cameron is keen to assure those on the right of his party that the new policies do not mean he is going “soft”. His speech will include the following recognition of the need for tough sentencing:

“Retribution is not a dirty word. It is important to society that revulsion against crime is properly recognised.”

Mr Cameron will also highlight the importance of crime prevention. By creating more opportunities for those who may be attracted to a life of crime, the Prime Minister believes he can establish a safer society as well as reducing the cost of “picking up the pieces” of previous failures in the system.

Caroline Dunne, consultant at IBB Solicitors said:

“Is this yet another false dawn? The imminent speech by the Prime Minister is set to outline a wave of new measures designed to rehabilitate offenders who find themselves riding the forever revolving criminal justice door.

“Many professionals in the field have highlighted the problem with petty offenders who don’t receive adequate help once released from short prison sentences. They are normally given a paltry grant on release and literally left to their own devices.

“The urge to maintain contact with probation leaves when the gates are bolted shut behind them, which in turn opens the door for repeat offending.

“Whilst the thought of “extension” payments to outside agencies is being considered to promote rehabilitation and prevent reoffending, one questions how much money can we afford to throw at this idea and where it will come from during these austere times?”

We have one of the leading teams of criminal defence specialists in West London and the South East. If you are facing a serious criminal charge, contact a member of the IBB’s Criminal Defence team: call us on 08456 381 381 or email criminaldefence@ibblaw.co.uk.