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<p /> <p>In March, we announced a package of measures to ensure that the public was
properly protected with respect to the offenders being held in open conditions. Absconds
and escapes have reached record lows under this Government, and we take each incident
seriously. As a result of a comprehensive review, we have made major changes to tighten
the eligibility criteria for open prisons. Prisoners may no longer be transferred
to open conditions or allowed out on temporary release if they have previously absconded,
escaped, attempted to escape, or if they have failed to return or have re-offended
whilst released on temporary licence, unless there are exceptional circumstances.</p><p>
</p><p>A total of 115 cases were assessed centrally by a panel comprised of NOMS senior
managers, including representation from both prisons and probation. Cases were reviewed
where there was a history, on the current sentence, of abscond; escape or attempted
escape; or an offence committed whilst on temporary release. 9 of these prisoners
were returned to closed conditions as a result. Local risk reviews were directed on
a further 14 offenders, with 2 returned to closed conditions following review.</p><p>
</p><p>As part of business as usual, open prisons return prisoners to closed conditions
where they judge that they can no longer be managed safely in open conditions. Figures
for this ongoing process are not included here.</p>
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