As part of a wider plan to reduce re-offending, the government are focusing on rehabilitating prisoners by reviewing the process for prisoners to be released on temporary licence (ROTL). 

What does this mean?

The changes will empower prison Governors to grant ROTL to offenders, following a thorough assessment to ensure public safety is not compromised, that will improve their chances of securing employment upon their release due to their experience and training.

The use of ROTL was restricted in 2013 following a murder committed by a prisoner on day release, but the new changes mark a shift in attitude. Allowing prisoners to spend time in the community is a vital part of reintegration and 99% of all temporary releases are completed successfully.

Re-offending currently costs the country £15 billion per year. That's a lot of money!

Does it work?

Research has shown that working in the community prior to release significantly reduces the likelihood of re-offending, and ex-offenders in employment are up to nine percentage points less likely to commit further crime.   

Previous changes focused on support for ex-offenders when they leave prison with changes to the probation service and a move away from short, ineffective, prison sentences and to allow more effective treatment of issues such as addiction and mental health problems.

Now a number of changes have been made to the previous policy on ROTL, for adults, to assist in preparation for resettlement in the community once released.

Esther Leach, Head of Crime & Prison Law, comments: 

ROTL is and extremely useful way to integrate prisoners back into society and the evidence that it reduces re-offending is overwhelming. Increased use of it makes for a safer and more humane society. We have a team of dedicatd lawyers committed to advancing this approach in the work that they do for prisoners, people deserve second chances.

If you would like to speak to a member of our team, please call us on 0151 227 1429, request a callback at your convenience or email us at enquiry@broudiejacksoncanter.co.uk