An emergency strategy to manage jail overcrowding, named Operation Early Dawn, is anticipated to be activated today. This plan allows defendants awaiting court appearances to be held in prison cells longer until space becomes available if they are remanded in custody. The operation, likely to commence on Monday morning, may result in short-notice delays or adjournments of court dates.
Prosecutors have been expediting cases involving individuals linked to recent riots across the UK. By last Monday, authorities had arrested 927 people, charging 466 of them. Mark Fairhurst, the Prison Officers’ Association chairman, indicated that an announcement regarding Operation Early Dawn could happen as early as Monday. He highlighted the urgent need for this operation due to a severe shortage of prison spaces.
Fairhurst described Operation Early Dawn as a triage system for prisoners held in police cells, ensuring only those with guaranteed prison cells face court, prioritising the most serious offences. He reassured that necessary prison spaces would be found for those needing incarceration. The recent unrest and rioting had severely reduced available prison spaces, particularly impacting the North East and North West, forcing some offenders to serve sentences far from home.
The Ministry of Justice previously reported that overcrowding had led to “unacceptable” levels of violence and self-harm in prisons, pushing some facilities to near-collapse. A critical inspection of HMP Wandsworth in southwest London cited “chaos” and “appalling conditions” due to poor leadership.
To alleviate the situation, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood plans to temporarily reduce the portion of sentences served before parole eligibility from 50% to 40%, potentially releasing 5,500 inmates in September and October. Those convicted of terrorism, sex offences, domestic abuse, and certain violent crimes, including recent rioters, will not be eligible for early release.
Operation Early Dawn was last implemented in May by the previous government to address overcrowding. At that time, the Law Society warned of potential delays and uncertainty for solicitors regarding whether their clients’ cases would be heard until they arrived at court.
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson stated that the government remains committed to ensuring sufficient prison places and taking decisive action to swiftly bring criminals to justice. Operational updates will be provided as usual.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What is Operation Early Dawn?
It’s a plan to hold defendants in prison cells longer until space is available to avoid overcrowding in jails.
When is Operation Early Dawn expected to be triggered?
It is likely to be started on Monday morning.
Will Operation Early Dawn affect court dates?
Yes, it could mean court dates are delayed or adjourned at short notice.
Why is Operation Early Dawn being triggered?
Due to a shortage of prison spaces following recent arrests and riots across the UK.
Are all offenders eligible for early release under the new plans?
No, those convicted of terrorism, sex offences, domestic abuse, and some violent offences are not eligible.