PCC Donna Jones urges victims to seek support as prisoners are released early
01 October 2026
Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones has voiced her concern for victims and communities as hundreds of prisoners are released from prison today (October 1).
It comes after the government introduced changes through the Sentencing Act 2026 which alter the amount of time some offenders serving standard determinate sentences will spend in prison before being released to serve the remainder of their sentence in the community.
Under the changes, a new three-part ‘Progression Model’ will be introduced for standard determinate sentences. Offenders released through the model will be subject to licence conditions and a period of intensive supervision.
More than 18,000 offenders are excluded from the changes, with certain offences not eligible for release.
While violent criminals and sex offenders have been excluded, the Commissioner is concerned those who have committed domestic abuse will be released.
Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones said: “I remain deeply concerned about any scheme which results in offenders leaving prison earlier than victims were originally led to expect.
“The government has introduced these changes because of the enormous pressure on prison capacity, but this is having a serious impact on victims.
“For someone who has experienced crime, knowing the person responsible could be leaving prison can bring back fear, anxiety and trauma. If the date of release is earlier than they had anticipated, that uncertainty can be even greater.
“My priority is to make sure victims in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight know that they are not alone and that help is at hand.
“That is why I have funded dedicated local support through our Victim Care Hubs. Trained staff are there to listen to victims’ concerns, offer practical and emotional support and help people understand what assistance is available to them.
“Public protection must remain paramount. Offenders released under these arrangements must be properly supervised and robust action must be taken where licence conditions are breached.
“If you are worried about these changes or the release of an offender, please reach out. There are people locally and nationally who can help you.”
Dedicated local support for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight
PCC Donna Jones has funded additional local support through the established Victim Care Hubs for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Four Victim Care Hubs were launched in 2024. Delivered by Victim Support and embedded alongside policing, the hubs provide victims with practical and emotional support, information about their case and access to specialist services.
Anyone concerned about the release arrangements who would like to speak to someone locally can email:
National Offender Release Helpline
Victim Support also operates a dedicated Offender Release Helpline for anyone affected by, or worried about, the release of an offender.
The service can:
- listen to victims and survivors and provide emotional support;
- discuss wellbeing, safety concerns and possible next steps;
- offer practical guidance and help people understand what the changes could mean;
- explain how someone may be able to seek further information; and
- help people access ongoing or specialist support where appropriate.
The helpline cannot provide information about individual offenders or case-specific release dates.
Offender Release Helpline: 0808 168 9280
Further information is available at:
Offender Release Helpline homepage – Victim Support
Government information explaining the Progression Model, which offences are excluded, how victims can be kept informed and what support is available can also be found on GOV.UK.