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<p>In certain circumstances, there is persuasive evidence that community orders and
suspended sentence orders are more effective than sentences of immediate custody in
reducing reoffending. In the Sentencing Bill, currently before Parliament, the Government
is introducing a presumption to suspend short custodial sentences. The offender would
then serve their sentence in the community.</p><p>In terms of the remand and recall
populations, we are working with our partners across the criminal justice system to
safely manage the system and protect the public. This includes raising awareness of,
and removing barriers to, the use of bail where appropriate as an alternative to remanding
defendants in custody, including on 2 August 2023 publishing a new EM Court Bail Protocol.
For recall, we have issued guidance to probation staff to ensure all safe alternatives
to recall are considered before a decision is taken, and we have re-invigorated the
Secretary of States power, under Section 255(B) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003,
to release recalled offenders following a risk assessed recall review without reference
to the Parole Board.</p><p>Upholding public confidence in the criminal justice system
is a core priority and we continue to work to deliver this. Whilst improving public
understanding is a valuable and important goal, it does not, by itself, affect the
prison population.</p>
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