Operation Early Dawn has been initiated to tackle the overcrowding of UK prisons in the wake of the street unrest that swept across Britain in August.
Unrest Adding to Prison Capacity Crises
North and Eastern Prison facilities were the most impacted by capacity problems. With the government and police authorities managing the riots and unrest on the streets of the UK, it added to the problem.
Taking Steps to Manage
To mitigate the problem while managing rapid arrests during the street riots, the government initiated an emergency Operation Early Dawn.
Urgent Action is Needed
Nick Emmerson, the President of the Law Society, said, “Urgent action is needed, including sustained investment across the criminal justice system, to ensure timely justice for all.”
Steps Weren’t Taken in Time
Operation Early Dawn affects the justice system in many ways. According to the Law Society, the government was pre-warned about the state of the prisons and steps are supposed to be taken sooner, stated the society’s President Nick Emmerson.
There Would Have Been More Time
Better planning could curb the way things are – The system “…would not have found itself in the critical state we now see with emergency measures being taken to deal with the crises over prison spaces,” Emmerson said.
“Inherited Prison Crises”
Labour Party, with a landslide win over the Tories, has faced many challenges, including the prison crisis. Labour government has often referred to the state where the Tories left them the country as an “inherited” problem.
Conservative Party “Failed Our Prisons”
Labour government has said the “Tories have failed our prisons,” as a result, the new government claimed to have inherited plenty of issues, including the prison crises where prisons are nearly full to capacity, mainly in the male facilities.
How Does Operation Early Dawn Affect Things?
The process is a result of managing prosecutions while having enough prison accommodation if they’re serving a sentence in prison. Operation Early Dawn is also said to lead to late prosecutions and delayed court dates.
Over 900 Arrests in Riots
Operation Early Dawn has reportedly come into action as part of “fast track” proceedings, according to Sky News. Reports say the police have made over 920 arrests, and more than 460 were charged.
Fixing Some Issues
According to the Labour government, the Tories have promised to add 20,000 places, but this wasn’t completed. In contrast, Labour also said it would make 20,000 spaces accessible and take the reins of the “planning process.”
The Pressure Is High
The Prison Office Association spokesperson told news outlets that it has seen one of the largest influx of prisoners being admitted “in a very long time.”
Exceeding the Space Availability
At the time, there were more prisoners for admission, which exceeded the capacity, with 397 for admission and only 340 spaces available in “adult closed male facilities,” according to Sky News.
An Emergency Measure
The initiation of Operation Early Dawn was an emergency measure to deal with the prison crisis.
Curfews & Protocols
Operation Early Dawn has previously been used in 2022 and was first instilled during that year as well. It also incorporates early release dates for eligible prisoners, curfews implemented, and other security protocols.
Concerns About the Delays
Chief Executive of the Magistrates Association, Tom Franklin, mentioned in a statement that they were very “concerned” about “further delays” on those cases going through to the magistrates court.
“Real Life Consequences”
He also cautioned that “every case that is delayed has life consequences for victims, witnesses, and defendants,” Mountainford Chambers.
Conditions & Protocol
The process doesn’t allow for the release of murderers and other violent and “horrific crimes” committed, but there are still issues like delayed court appearances. Thus, delayed court sentences and some convicted criminals still have to wait.
Which Facilities Are Affected?
The North East, Lancashire, Merseyside, Cheshire, Manchester, Yorkshire, and Cumbria said to proceed with protocols and steps to free up space within prisons in England.
Operation Initiated
According to Law Society, The Lord Chancellor initiated Operation Early Dawn to mitigate the “worsening prison capacity crisis.” This initiation was activated in May 2024 during the former Tory government.
Working Together
The National Police Chief Council Lead for Custody said, “We are working closely with the criminal justice system to manage the demand in the system and to ensure that the public is safe.”
The Chief Constable, Nev Kemp, also added that the local authorities will continue their task of keeping order and will continue arrests for public safety.
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