§ 24 . David WrightTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to increase the use of home detention and curfew orders; and if he will make a statement. [29872]
§ Beverley HughesDecisions to release prisoners on home detention curfew (HDC) are a matter for indivival Governors, within the guidance set down by the Prison Service, including a requirement for a rigorous risk assessment. Research undertaken by the Home Office shows that home detention curfew helps prisoners to make the transition between prison and the community. (Home Office Research Study 222, Electronic monitoring of released prisoners and evaluation of the Home Detention Curfew scheme, March 2001). We have asked Governors to make full use of the scheme where they can do so without unacceptable risk to public safety.
My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has also announced this morning at the Prison Service Conference, his intention to increase the maximum period that a curfewee may spend on HDC from two months to three months. The eligibility criteria, and the risk assessment process will not change.