When technology is so widespread, it is shocking to think that the Home Office does not count the number of people walking freely from category-D prisons. Although local records are kept, central government does not know who – or even how many people – have breached their sentences. In short, people are walking free from prison, and the Home Office don’t even count them.
But for all the complaints streaming from the Tories, I haven’t heard anyone say that the Thatcher / Major governments held such records, and that Blair has abolished the system. It’s all very well being the back-seat drivers, but not so easy when you are in power, methinks.
What surprises me is the comments made by Phil Wheatley that a central tally would be kept in future, even though this would not increase the recapture rate. What, then, is the point? PR?
If a new database would not help in any way, why do the Home Office want to waste money on it? If it will do nothing to help the recapture rate, don’t set it up! Either they are wasting taxpayers’ money, or they are wasting taxpayers’ money and lying about it.
Not looking good, Dr. Reid.
The New Constitution 