The Prison Governors Association (PGA) has issued a stark warning that prisons in England and Wales are set to reach full capacity within days.
“Once this limit is reached, courts and police will be unable to detain offenders freely and lawfully,” the PGA stated in an open letter to UK political leaders.
“This crisis poses a significant threat to public safety, as individuals who should be behind bars will be left on the streets,” the PGA added.
According to the latest data from the UK’s Ministry of Justice, the prison population stands at 87,395, just 1,383 below the maximum operational capacity.
In response, the UK government activated Operation Early Dawn on May 15, which has resulted in the postponement of some court cases across England.
