Staff quizzed over early release policy

THOUSANDS of justice sector workers are being quizzed over the impact of the Scottish Government's controversial prisoner early release scheme.

- BY MARY WRIGHT

Police officers, prison and probation staff, along with courts and tribunal, government and youth justice workers are being asked for their views on how well the scheme is working after scores of offenders including violent criminals had their sentences reduced in a bid to cut prison overcrowding.

Skills for Justice, a UK Government quango, wants to hear from workers directly.