After the first King’s Speech under Keir Starmer and a blitz of policy announcements, the new government has hit the ground running. NHS waiting times, “small boat” crossings and the cost of living are all high on the priority list, but Number 10 has been quick to act on the issue of criminal justice as a key area for action through the introduction of the Victims, Court and Public Protection Bill.
From significantly overcrowded prisons, enormous backlogs in the courts, and the rushed early release of prisoners, the list of issues on the allocated ministers’ desk is varied and complex. To compound issues, prioritising the justice problem is not traditionally a popular way to spend public money. However, a new government and a large majority brings opportunity for fresh ideas.
There is a robust evidence base for taking an innovative approach too. We know the Treasury is tempering expectations with spending, but there is a way to solve the justice crisis, whilst saving money and making communities safer.
Cranstoun, the charity I work for, advocates for a Whole System approach to managing the criminal justice process providing interventions which address the root cause of offending. From diverting people away from the criminal justice system for drug possession offences, to referring people towards support in police custody suites and delivering drug treatment in prisons, there must be a meaningful and effective intervention at every point.
We can improve the situation by focusing on the root causes of offending, as opposed to ineffective approaches which do not work. For example, over half of the people serving sentences of less than 12 months will reoffend within a year. This creates more backlogs, higher prison numbers and ultimately, more victims. A joined-up, diversionary approach could reduce burden throughout the justice system, whilst encompassing effective interventions that work.
There are early positive signs of a rehabilitative approach to prisons given the appointment of James Timpson as the Minister – a man who is passionate and active in helping prison leavers rebuild their lives and ensuring they do not end up back in a cell.
The focus must be on addressing the root cause of offending and rehabilitation to prevent more crime– not solely punitive punishments which are a proven failure for many lesser crimes.
The strategy, however, should not start with prison rehabilitation but must be tackled upstream. This starts at the point of arrest in a Whole System model by diverting people away from the criminal justice system, and towards education or rehabilitation. Cranstoun’s scheme – DIVERT – has been proven to significantly reduce reoffending and reduce racial disproportionality in the criminal justice system, whilst saving precious police time and taxpayer money.
The Prime Minister will be very aware of the severity of issues related to justice from his time as the Director of Public Prosecutions, and he has previously spoken positively about schemes that appropriately divert people from prosecution.
Whilst the Starmer government cannot afford big spending pledges, it can afford to be brave with policy given it has such a strong mandate from the public. The 40 Bills announced on Wednesday demonstrate a readiness from the government to make change quickly.
Proposals discussed in this piece are already operational in various parts of the country. We have the evidence to show this approach works and is popular with police officers in areas where we work with Police and Crime Commissioners.
There are several quick wins for the government which do not require amendments to legislation. From clearing backlogs in court through diversion schemes, to eradicating short term prison sentences for specific offences. Fines as a form of punishment should be scrapped too and replaced with conditions which aim to address the root cause of the offence – financial sanctions are unfair and unjust for people who simply cannot afford to pay.
Lastly, given the early prison release scheme, there must be a focus on continuity of care to ensure people released from prison do not end up back in a cell. A lack of support for people leaving prison is a catalyst for crime of our own making. That must change.
The King’s Speech has set the agenda for the new government, but embracing a Whole System approach to criminal justice could be a flagship set of policies which would alleviate strain on the justice system and support victims better by making communities safer.
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