UK Police Advised to Reduce Arrests Amid Prison Overcrowding Crisis

National Police Chiefs’ Council urges pausing non-priority arrests as prisons near full capacity, raising public safety concerns.

Police in England and Wales instructed to limit non-priority arrests due to lack of prison space.
Emergency measures include holding suspects in police cells and delaying bail hearings.
Operation Early Dawn introduced to manage prisoner transfers and court appearances.
Government faces criticism for mismanagement, with calls for new prison construction.
Officials assure that serious and violent offenders will still be arrested and detained.