Second wave of prisoner releases across the country

Today marks the second wave of early prison releases across the country, with those in Kent being urged to look into available resources if they feel unsafe.

It's after we've heard from the Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott about his plans to invest additional funding into victim services.

Now people in Kent worried the release scheme are early being urged to seek advice and support by a Neighbourhood Watch volunteer.

Peter New, who works predominantly in Ashford said people should not be left dealing with those concerns alone.

Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio, he said his priority was helping people find the right support, rather than frightening them about prisoners returning to the community.

Helping people find support

New called for community organisations, charities and other groups to be able to direct anyone with concerns towards help.

He encouraged people who feel uncomfortable contacting police to seek support elsewhere, including from a counselling service:

"Those of us that work in neighborhood Watch, maybe councils of all levels, from MPs right down to parish and community councils.

"Any organisations, any charity will need to be aware of how to signpost people if for some reason a violent person or someone that's committed sexual offences is being released back into the community.

"And it's not about remembering all the phone numbers. It's about ensuring that people know there's help available, help to be received, and that people must have no doubts and no fears about seeking guidance. And if that means walking into a police station, so be it.

"In serious, serious cases, if that means picking up the phone and ringing 999, then do it. And really, so that's what brought us together this morning, talking about this issue."

For those concerned about their own safety of the safety of others New said: "Seek that support, get that help, and feel safe."

Concerns about supervision

New also acknowledged that while he did have concerns about the scheme, early releases could work successfully, saying he hoped prisoners would use the opportunity to move forward.

His central message was for organisations and communities to make sure people know where to turn if they are worried.

New said: "We've got to make certain those people know that help is available."

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