Released offender re-offends within a day, costing police £1,887

A prolific offender, assessed as high risk, was released from prison under the government's Early Release Scheme and subsequently caught re-offending within 24 hours. The incident involved theft from two supermarkets and further offending throughout the weekend, according to a warning issued by the Borough Commander on 7th October. The Metropolitan Police stated that the case consumed 27 officer hours, incurring a cost of £1,887.

Concerns over policing burden

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The Borough Commander highlighted that the officer hours spent on this case could have been allocated to other policing duties such as street patrols, investigating other crimes, or pursuing dangerous offenders. The Metropolitan Police has consistently raised concerns regarding the potential risks associated with releasing more offenders into the community and the additional financial demands placed upon policing resources. Similar incidents are reportedly occurring across London, with fears that the situation may escalate as more offenders are released early.

Councillor Jennifer Grocock, Conservative shadow cabinet member for community safety on Barnet Council, stated that the local impact of the prisoner release scheme should prompt a response from the government. She questioned the extent of consultation with the Metropolitan Police before the scheme's introduction, the warnings provided by senior police officers, and the assessment of the increased burden on frontline policing. Councillor Grocock emphasised that transferring the consequences of the prison crisis onto the streets places an unacceptable strain on already stretched officers and the communities they serve.

The Metropolitan Police has indicated that the government needs to address these issues, arguing that the government cannot resolve a prison crisis by shifting its consequences onto the public. Each hour an officer spends dealing with an individual recently released under the scheme represents an hour less available for protecting others. The police service maintains that these additional demands on policing incur costs for taxpayers, victims awaiting justice, and communities seeking a greater police presence.

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