TOP COPS have privately slammed proposals to let paedophiles and violent criminals out of prison early.
In a scathing letter to the Ministry of Justice, the National Police Chiefs Council warned they don’t have enough cash to monitor dangerous lags who are set free after serving just a third of their sentence.
Top cops have written to Ministry of Justice fearing criminals let out early could get “out of control”Getty
Police chiefs across the country warned the Gauke reforms could lead to “out of control” criminals ravaging the streets.
Members of the NPCC include police forces including the Metropolitan Police let by Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley.
The private correspondence was sent to Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood days before the Independent Sentencing Review, led by ex-Tory Minister David Gauke, was revealed.
Ex-Tory Cabinet Minister David Gauke said sentences under 12 months should only be used in exceptional circumstances.
They claimed the “deterrent” effect of prisons will be weakened.
They also argued they don’t have enough money to monitor offenders let out in the public.
Chief Constable Sacha Hatchett, national policing lead for criminal justice at the NPCC, said in a statement: “Out of prison should not mean out of control.
“Adequate funding to support these measures must be reflected in the upcoming spending review, as well as investment in probation services and technology, including electronic monitoring, to enable policing to work across criminal justice agencies to monitor offenders and reduce reoffending.”
The Chief Constable added: “It is crucial for public safety that high-risk offenders, including those convicted of violent or sexual offences, and those who pose a threat to national security, are exempt from early prison release.
“Robust prison sentences for these crimes must remain in place as a strong deterrent and means of keeping the public safe.
“It is also crucial that victims of domestic abuse are protected and that perpetrators understand that there will be harsh consequences for breaching orders.”
Ministers told last week how spaces in male prisons would run out by November if action wasn’t taken.
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