Posted by Less crime, safer communities, fewer people in prison
Less crime
We want to build a more humane and effective response to crime in England and Wales, which provides justice to all and helps to reduce reoffending.Read our strategy →
Safer communities
We want to see sensible changes that make communities safer, and to move away from unjust punishments that are counter-productive.Read about the work we do →
Fewer people in prison
We want to reduce the prison population, because jails that are overcrowded and unsafe will never help people to turn their lives around and move on from crime.Find out how you can help →
87,312people in prison
The prison population in England and Wales is higher than in any other country in Western Europe. Thousands of people in prison are forced to share cells that are designed for one person. Staff shortages mean that many people are kept inside their cells for 23 hours a day, locked up with nothing to do. Click the link below to find out which prisons are overcrowded.
Find out more about our work
- Spotlights Our series of online events aimed at lifting the lid on prisons.
- Our strategy We want to build a more humane and effective response to crime that provides justice and helps to reduce reoffending.
- Briefings and submissions We advise politicians, policy-makers and senior practitioners on prisons and the wider criminal justice system.
- Legal advice for children and young people in prison The only dedicated advice line for children and young people in custody in England and Wales.
- PAVA spray This weapon is being used in prisons holding children. We are monitoring its use and governance closely, and supporting those affected.
- What is sentence inflation? Explaining how longer sentences have contributed to the prisons crisis.
- Ending the detention of people on IPP sentences Six recommendations to end the scandal and protect the public.
- Why are prisons overcrowded? Explaining the problem, how it arose, and how we might solve it.
Latest blog posts
- 11 Dec 2025 PAVA spray and children in prison: Our two days in court
- 5 Dec 2025 We’re taking the government to court next week – here’s why…
- 28 Nov 2025 The 2025 Howard League Lecture, held in memory of Lord Parmoor
- 20 Oct 2025 Urgent action is needed to tackle inadequate provision for children with special educational needs in custody
Who Watches the Watchers? 