Matthew Scott Kent's Police and Crime Commissioner condemns choice to release prisoners early
He described it as 'chaotic'
Kent's Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Scott, has condemned the governments decision to release prisoners early.
The scheme started this week, in an attempt to reduce overcrowding.
Speaking to us Matthew Scott described it as 'chaotic' believing victims had been 'betrayed'.
This is because, according to him, perpetrators of violent crimes such as domestic abuse have also been set free with some victims getting no warning.
He said: "I think they've rushed to do something instead of doing to it sensibly and carefully thought through and I'm worried this is going to back fire because there are too many risks, there too much potential impact on victims.
"I think it's a betrayal of the people who were so brave in coming forward in the first place.
"The co-ordination between the government and the victims has been completely lacklustre. There are some people who clearly don't know that perpetrators of serious offences, violent offences, have been release early and that could potentially put them at risk.
"The handling of this whole situation has been chaotic, if there was any risk of this, they should have paused. Just for a few weeks or a few months, it's better to get this right than to just do it.
"If anyone needs any help please come to me. We have a range of charities, commisoned by myself, who can support you if you need extra advice, guidance or support, even safety equipment.
"We will work with you on this, you are our number one priority, I'm sorry the government doesn't consider you a priority."
The government say offenders jailed for violent offences with sentences of at least four years, sex offenders and domestic abusers were not eligible for early release.