Two main news stories this week.
Firstly, the latest HMPPS workforce stats show that the prison officer recruitment campaign is really starting to work with a net gain of over 700 officers in the last quarter. The only downside is that existing staff are still leaving at a rate of 9.7% per year.
Secondly, it emerges that home detention curfew processes have been streamlined in the hope of getting more prisoners released early and easing pressure on the system.
In other news, the MoJ published its HMP Nottingham action plan - the first one in response to the new HMI Prisons urgent notification system. Also, concerns about digital disclosure rumble on with new cases coming to light on a daily basis.
As always, click on the tile to see the full story.
Net increase of 1,970 officers from October 2016 - December 2017
First example of response to urgent notification process
"Focus and pragmatism" key to prison reform
Observer analysis of inspection reports
Recalls vary significantly by probation area
New PSI issued
New scheme less bureaucratic
HMIC takes 3 forces to task
Digital disclosure failures erode confidence in system
Supreme Court decision
16% lower than 2009 peak
Police using unaccredited labs
250 courts closed since 2010
Closing date: 2 March
CLOSING DATE: 5 March