PCC secures £195,000 to support victims and enhance safety measures following prison early release changes

PCC secures £195,000 to support victims and enhance safety measures following prison early release changes

Victims of crime across Devon and Cornwall will benefit from enhanced support, improved access to information and additional safety measures thanks to £195,000 in government funding secured through the Ministry of Justice's Prison Early Release Surge Fund.

The funding, which will be delivered over three years, will help local services respond to the impact of offenders being released from custody and ensure victims receive the support, reassurance and protection they need.

Working with criminal justice partners across Devon and Cornwall, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner will use the funding to strengthen support services for victims and improve multi-agency responses to early release arrangements.

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said:

"While decisions about prison early release are made nationally, our focus here in Devon and Cornwall is making sure victims receive the support, information and protection they need.

"We know that the prospect of an offender being released can be an anxious and unsettling experience for victims, particularly those who have worked hard to rebuild their lives after crime.

"This funding will allow us to strengthen the support available through our Victim Care Unit, improve access to information, provide practical safety measures where they are needed and ensure victim experiences are helping shape how local agencies respond to early release arrangements.

"As local victims' champions, we will continue to do all we can to mitigate the impact of these changes, support those affected and make sure victims' voices are heard throughout the process.

"At the same time, we must continue to invest in rehabilitation and prevention if we are to reduce reoffending, break the cycle of crime and create safer communities for everyone."

The funding will support four key projects designed to strengthen victim support and enhance community safety.

Two dedicated victim-focused roles will be created within the Victim Care Unit. An Early Release Scheme Victim Care Officer and Victim Care Advocate will act as direct points of contact for victims affected by offender release, providing information about release arrangements, supporting safety planning and working with police, probation and safeguarding agencies to ensure victims' views are considered throughout the process. They will also provide emotional support and help people access specialist counselling and therapeutic services where needed.

Investment will also be made in the Criminal Justice and You website, an online resource developed by victims for victims that helps people better understand the criminal justice system. New information and guidance relating specifically to early release arrangements will be added to the site, alongside promotional activity to ensure more victims, professionals and members of the public are aware of the support available.

A dedicated target hardening fund will be introduced to provide practical measures that help victims feel safer in their homes and communities. Depending on individual circumstances, this could include additional security measures such as reinforced locks, window restrictors, CCTV cameras, personal attack alarms, SmartWater forensic property marking products and access to the TecSAFE safety app.

The funding will also support the creation of a new multi-agency scrutiny panel through the Devon and Cornwall Local Criminal Justice Board. Meeting every six months, the panel will review cases involving early release arrangements to identify learning opportunities, improve partnership working and ensure victims' experiences remain central to future decision-making.

The programme will run until 2029 and aims to strengthen support for victims; improve confidence in the criminal justice system and ensure local agencies are well equipped to respond to the challenges presented by prison early release arrangements.

To find out more visit: Understanding the Sentencing Act 2026 changes and accessing support – Victim Care Devon & Cornwall