UK Justice Secretary Explores Texas Prison Model for Sentencing Overhaul

Shabana Mahmood considers adopting 'good behaviour credits' to reduce overcrowding and improve rehabilitation in England and Wales prisons.

The proposed reforms would require prisoners in England and Wales to earn early release through good behaviour, work, and rehabilitation programs, replacing automatic release policies.
Shabana Mahmood and former Justice Secretary David Gauke visited the Estelle supermax prison in Texas to study its incentive-based system, which has reduced recidivism and crime rates.
Texas' model allows prisoners to earn credits to shorten their sentences by participating in education, vocational training, and addiction treatment, with parole decisions still subject to board approval.
The Texas reforms, introduced to address overcrowding, have led to a 15% reduction in the prison population, a 29% drop in crime rates, and a significant decrease in reoffending rates.
The UK government aims to adapt this approach to tackle overcrowding and improve rehabilitation outcomes, with a sentencing review due to report findings in May.