Scottish Government Adjusts Early Release Policy to Address Prison Overcrowding

Justice Secretary Angela Constance announces changes to release rules for short-term prisoners amid rising inmate numbers.

The Scottish government will lower the automatic release point for short-term prisoners from 50% to 40% of their sentence to alleviate overcrowding.
The decision to release long-term prisoners early has been shelved due to concerns from victims' groups and practical difficulties.
Scotland's prisons are currently operating above capacity, with a population of 8,322 against a target of 8,007.
The new policy excludes those convicted of domestic abuse and sexual offenses, focusing on non-violent short-term inmates.
Prosecutors have been advised to oppose bail only if the accused poses a substantial risk, to help manage prison population pressures.