Cayman has no plans for a UK-style early-release policy to ease the pressure on its overcrowded prison system. Inmates in England and Wales can now be released after serving just 40% of their sentence.
The UK policy was introduced in July following a warning from prison governors that the system would be “effectively full” within weeks. The controversial early-release policy doesn’t apply to violent or sexual offenders.
And the UK is looking into longer-term options to address a shortage of cell space. Some reports indicated that the Baltic state of Estonia, which has excess capacity, had offered to rent prison space.
This week, the Labour government announced a review of sentencing that will consider alternatives to incarceration for more minor crimes.
Director of Prisons Daniel Greaves told the Compass in a written response that early release of prisoners is not something that is taken lightly in Cayman.
He said there had been no discussions around mirroring the UK policy of allowing prisoners to become eligible for parole after serving 40% of their sentences, despite overcrowding issues at Cayman’s Northward prison.
“Such a policy has not been considered in the Cayman Islands, and the focus remains on maintaining a balanced approach that ensures justice is served while protecting public safety and providing opportunities for rehabilitation,” he said.
Currently, inmates in Cayman must serve at least 60% of their sentence before being considered for release.
As director of prisons, Greaves has discretion to release prisoners with fewer than three months left on their sentence, following a comprehensive risk assessment.
“This provision is rarely used, as it must be balanced against the principles of natural justice and public safety,” he said.
Despite ongoing challenges with the prison infrastructure, Greaves said progress was being made.
He said the Ministry of Home Affairs is currently working on a “national definition” of recidivism to get better data to help reduce reoffending.
Greaves added, “We aim to reduce recidivism by providing prisoners with the tools they need to reintegrate into society successfully. This includes access to behavioral programs, education, and skills training.”
He said the ministry was now staffed with criminal justice system veterans who were working on data- and intelligence-led policies to help reduce reoffending and cut crime generally.
“Despite the challenges we face, such as infrastructure issues and the rise in serious crimes, the prison service continues to operate efficiently and professionally,” he added.
“We are committed to continuing our efforts to improve the prison service, ensuring that it meets both the immediate needs of the prison population and the long-term safety and security of the Cayman Islands.”
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After all the distressing problems in the prison that have been reported in detail, we have Mr Greaves saying they have not even considered early release, accepted in the U.K., and states ” the Prison Service continues to operate efficiently and professionally”, Really!.