Operation Early Dawn has commenced, marking the British government's urgent strategy to alleviate overcrowding in the nation's congested prisons by extending the detention of offenders in police cells. This emergency action was initiated following the arrest of hundreds of individuals during anti-immigration riots earlier this month. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's administration has acknowledged that the arrests related to racist violence against migrants and Muslims have exacerbated an existing prison capacity crisis, which was already prompting the release of some prisoners early. Prior to the riots, Starmer, elected in July, had characterized the prison system as a 'monumental failure.' Britain boasts the highest incarceration rate in Western Europe. As of July 5, the prison population in England and Wales stood at 87,453, an increase from 86,035 a year earlier and nearing the maximum capacity of 88,864 as perceived by prison governors. The overall prison population has doubled since 1990, yet spending on prisons is projected to decrease by nearly six percent annually.
Charities and experts suggest a potential solution could involve redefining the purpose of prisons to prioritize rehabilitation over punishment, and addressing the digital divide to enable inmates to study and prepare for life post-release. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many educational institutions transitioned online, but prisons have lagged behind. Research from 2021 reveals that only 18 out of 117 prisons in England and Wales are equipped with the necessary cabling or hardware to support broadband, leaving British inmates at a disadvantage in terms of learning opportunities. In contrast, digital access in prisons has shown promising results in Finland and Australia, enhancing inmates' relationships and overall well-being, which the British government believes can significantly reduce the rate of reoffending. The Shannon Trust, a charity aiding prisoners with literacy and numeracy, advocates for broadband for educational purposes as a priority for the new government.
The Ministry of Justice has acknowledged the need to address the prison crisis and plans to construct new, modern facilities. It is also committed to reducing reoffending through improved education and employment opportunities. James Tweed of digital learning company Coracle highlights the digital age gap in many Victorian-era prisons due to budget constraints. He emphasizes the importance of providing digital resources and skills to prisoners to better prepare them for release. Installing broadband infrastructure in British prisons is estimated to cost around £100 million, according to the Centre for Social Justice. However, the social and economic cost of reoffending is approximately £18 billion, and research from The Clink charity indicates that prisoners who engage in distance learning are less likely to reoffend. For every 100 prisoners who participate in higher education courses, the number of reoffences within a year of release is lower by four to five individuals.
Britain has explored the concept of smart prisons, focusing on education, training, and job preparation for inmates post-release, but results have been mixed due to management issues. Internationally, smart prisons have been successfully implemented, such as in Finland, where digital access includes ebooks, rehabilitative materials, and access to educational websites. Similar initiatives are underway in New South Wales, Australia, where inmates have access to Android tablets for family visits and online activities. Ensuring adequate security measures and staff training is crucial for the success of such digital initiatives.
