Short Prison Sentences

Restricting the use of short prison sentences, meaning prison sentences of 12 months or less would only be used as a last resort, would not only free up prison spaces but also reduce reoffending.

As of June 2024, nearly 3000 people were in prison on sentences of 12 months or less, often for non-violent crime. When released people who have been on a short prison sentence have a proven reoffending rate of 55%, much higher than those who have been on an equivalent community sentence which is 33%.

Why a short sentence can mean lifelong impact

Even a short prison sentence can destroy someone’s life so when they do come out of prison they need to start again, find a new job and home. This makes it so much harder to address the reasons behind their offending. Women disproportionately receive shorter sentences which can be even more devastating particularly if they have children, as they are then often taken into care. Every year 17,000 children are affected by their mother being in prison.

Why we should end ineffective short prison sentences

We know that short prison sentences result in higher rates of reoffending than community sentences. Sending people to prison for a few months at a time for non-violent offences without ever addressing the reasons behind their offending does nothing to reduce crime, and simply traps people in a revolving door of prison. As the average cost of a prison place is over £50,000 a year, sending people to prison that do not need to be there is also a waste of money.

This isn’t about being ‘soft’ on crime, this is about following the evidence of what works and ensuring fewer future victims.

What Nacro are calling for

Nacro want to see the introduction of a presumption against short sentences, meaning that in all but exceptional circumstances community sentences will bused instead. We want to see more money and resources put into early intervention work with people at risk of committing crime, as well as properly funded support services to help people with their mental health and substance misuse issues, key drivers of low-level offending.

End short sentences, reduce the prison population

Ending short sentences will not only give people the best chance to turn their lives around and reduce reoffending, it will also free up vital space in prison, giving the justice system breathing space to process people accused of more serious crime. Victims and society as a whole need a properly functioning justice system, ending short sentences is one step towards this goal.