HMP The Mount: Prison release day affects reoffending rates

The chances of a prisoner reoffending could depend on the day of release, according to Hertfordshire's Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner.

Lewis Cocking said prisoners released early in the week find it easier to access key services.

He made the comment in response to a council question about HMP The Mount.

The Ministry of Justice said in the future HMP The Mount in Bovingdon would be "vastly reducing" the number of prisoners it releases on a Friday.

The Ministry of Justice said in the future HMP The Mount in Bovingdon would be "vastly reducing" the number of prisoners it releases on a Friday

He told councillors at a community safety meeting at Hertfordshire County Council: "We are doing a lot of work around when is the right time to release someone from prison."

He said "stark data" showed "a massive correlation" between when people are released and whether they steer clear of crime.

About one in three prisoners nationally leaves custody on a Friday.

"If they are released early on in the week, they have got four days where everything is open - where they can access those services that they need," he said.

"Whereas on a Friday they haven't.

New legislation

Mr Cocking made the remarks in response to a question about HMP The Mount, which sits on the outskirts of Bovingdon, near Watford.

The Offenders (Day of Release from Detention) Bill will give prison governors the power to release certain prisoners on a Wednesday or Thursday instead: for example, those with mental health issues, substance misuse problems or far to travel home.

That Bill received Royal Assent last week and is due to come into force in coming weeks.

• Correction 14 July 2023: An earlier version of this story incorrectly said that the policy of not releasing prisoners on a Friday had already started at HMP The Mount. We apologise for the error.