Overview

• 1,700 prisoners were released early as part of a government scheme to ease prison overcrowding.
• Concerns have arisen about released inmates becoming homeless or reoffending due to inadequate support.
• Police and probation services are under significant strain managing the fallout from the early releases.
• Temporary measures include housing some homeless ex-prisoners in budget hotels.
• Critics argue that the early release program lacks proper planning and may compromise public safety.