The British government has decided to introduce medication designed to suppress the sex drive of sex offenders, as a part of broader measures aimed at easing the strain on the prison system and reducing the likelihood of reoffending. This move comes in response to an alarming lack of space within the prison system.
According to reliable sources, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced these measures to Parliament last Thursday, following the release of an independent sentencing review. The procedure, colloquially known as ‘chemical castration’, is to be implemented in 20 prisons across two regions. Mahmood is also examining the possibility of making this approach mandatory.
Although the review noted that this treatment might not be suitable for all sex offenders, particularly those motivated by power and control rather than sexual preoccupation, Mahmood highlighted studies suggesting that chemical castration can result in a significant, up to 60%, reduction in reoffending rates. Similar measures have been used in Germany and Denmark voluntarily, and in Poland, it is mandatory for certain offenders.
The recommendation for chemical castration is part of a comprehensive review led by former Justice Secretary David Gauke. Gauke proposed various reforms for the prison system, which is currently operating near capacity. This review recommended that sentences of less than 12 months be abolished, barring exceptional circumstances, and that judges be given greater leeway to impose alternative punishments such as driving bans. It also suggested immediate deportation for foreign nationals sentenced to three years or less.
The review also urged higher investments in probation services to allow officers more time for the rehabilitation of offenders and additional funding for the electronic tagging of offenders in the community. Mahmood reportedly responded by allocating an annual sum of 700 million pounds (approximately 930 million dollars) for probation services.
However, this development follows earlier reports that the prison population in England and Wales has doubled over the past three decades to nearly 90,000, despite falling crime rates. This increase is driven partly by the imposition of longer sentences amid a societal demand for a ‘tough on crime’ stance. Such moves have, however, faced opposition. The Conservative justice spokesperson, Robert Jenrick, warned against the abolition of short sentences as he believes it would effectively decriminalize offenses such as burglary, theft, and assault.
As we conclude, while the government has accepted certain changes, it has also announced an extensive prison building program, partly to replace facilities that have been in use since the late 19th century.
