Police across the country are being asked to reconsider the number of arrests they make.
The National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) issued a letter last week to chief constables, highlighting the urgent need to address overcrowded prisons.
Non-priority arrests under review
In the letter, the NPCC advises chief constables to contemplate “pausing” non-priority arrests.
These are arrests that do not involve immediate threats to public safety or high-risk offenders.
By reducing non-priority arrests, the NPCC aims to alleviate the strain on the criminal justice system.
Planned operations may be affected
The NPCC’s letter also recommends halting planned operations that could result in a large number of arrests.
These operations, often targeting organised crime or specific criminal activities, may now face delays or cancellations.
The council’s guidance seeks to manage the pressure on the prison system more effectively.
Balancing public safety and systemic pressure
The NPCC’s suggestions come amid increasing concerns about the capacity of the UK’s prisons.
While public safety remains a priority, the NPCC believes that adjusting arrest practices can help manage the current crisis.
This approach aims to balance the needs of the criminal justice system with the available resources.
Chilton: We will provide the support required, but we must keep the public safe
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police Chief Constable, Scott Chilton, said,
“Relentlessly pursuing criminals and giving victims the service they expect from policing remain our core priorities.
“We continue to be proactive in arresting those who are suspected of committing crimes, targeting prolific offenders and people who are wanted on warrants. We are arresting more people and bringing them into our custody centres, and this remains our approach.
“We are aware of the pressures being faced by our partners within the wider criminal justice system, and working with them to ensure that people can continue to be brought before the courts in a timely manner.
“We will provide the support required, but we must keep the public safe.”
Jones: Police will continue to arrest suspects as usual
Commenting on the Chief’s position, PCC Donna Jones said,
“I fully support the Chief’s decision that arrests will continue in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight.
“The job of the police is to keep the public safe – it is what we pay them to do. Police will continue to arrest suspects as usual so that those who commit crimes and cause harm to others are taken off the streets.
“The Chief and I agree continuing to make arrests in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight is the right thing to do. Keeping the public safe will remain the police’s core responsibility despite pressures from the wider criminal justice system.
“The overcrowding in prisons is not an issue for policing, it is for the Ministry of Justice to manage.”
