Wiltshire residents reassured as support for victims strengthened following prisoner release changes

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson is reassuring residents that established multi agency arrangements continue to support the management and supervision of offenders following the latest changes to prisoner release arrangements, while highlighting additional support available for victims across Wiltshire. 

Recognising the impact that news of an offender's release can have on victims, the OPCC has secured additional Ministry of Justice funding to strengthen local support services, including the recruitment of a dedicated Victim Advocate within Horizon Victim and Witness Care Service, a service funded by the OPCC, to support victims affected by the changes. 

The changes, which have been introduced through the Sentencing Act, mean some offenders are being released from custody earlier than they would have been under previous arrangements. 

However, those released continue to serve the remainder of their sentence in the community under licence and supervision and remain subject to strict conditions, with the possibility of recall to prison if those conditions are breached. Certain serious offences are excluded from the changes. 

The OPCC has also launched a dedicated webpage providing information about the changes to prisoner release arrangements, what they may mean for victims, and where support can be accessed. The resource has been designed to help answer common questions, provide reassurance and ensure victims know where to turn for help if they need it. 

Mr Wilkinson said: "We recognise that victims and the wider public may have concerns following the introduction of these prisoner release changes. It is therefore important that people understand both the support available to those affected and the safeguards that remain in place to protect our communities. 

"For victims in particular, learning that an offender may be released earlier than expected can be unsettling. That is why we have worked proactively to secure additional Ministry of Justice funding to strengthen the support available locally to help ensure victims receive the information, reassurance and practical support they need." 

The PCC also stressed that while the changes have attracted significant national attention, the number of individuals affected in Wiltshire remains minimal when compared with the national picture. 

He added: "There has been considerable discussion nationally around these changes, but it is important to provide some local context. The number of cases affecting Wiltshire is very small compared to the overall number of releases across the country. 

"It is also important that people understand what these changes do and do not mean. Individuals affected are being released in accordance with the current legal framework after serving the custodial period the law now requires them to serve. While some may leave custody earlier than they would have done under previous arrangements, they have not completed their sentence when they leave prison. 

"The remainder of their sentence continues to be served in the community under licence and supervision. People are not simply being released without oversight. Long-established arrangements involving probation, police, local authorities and other partners continue to provide multiple layers of risk assessment, scrutiny, monitoring and support.  

"These processes have been in place for many years and play an important role in protecting victims and keeping communities safe."  

Anyone affected by the changes to prisoner release arrangements who feels they may need support is encouraged to visit the OPCC's dedicated victim information page.