The number of parole board panellists from policing backgrounds is set to almost double as part of a national recruitment campaign.

Former police officers and detectives with experience managing dangerous offenders will be recruited in a government bid to ‘place greater focus on public protection in parole hearings.’

Panellists are responsible for risk assessing whether to release prisoners on life and other indeterminate sentences once they have served their minimum term.

An additional 25 board members from policing backgrounds are hoped to be recruited, taking the number from 26 to 51.

The government will also legislate to ensure parole reviews of ‘top tier’ cases, which involve the most dangerous offenders convicted of charges including murder, rape, causing or allowing the death of a child and terrorist offences, will involve members with policing backgrounds.

Dominic Raab, the lord chancellor, said the new panellists' ‘first-hand experience and understanding of risk’ would give parole boards ‘an even greater focus on public protection.’

He added: ‘The public want to know that parole decisions are being made by those with good insight into offenders’ behaviour like police officers and detectives.’

The new panellists should be in place before the end of the year.

 

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