Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley expressed dismay over the increasing number of suspects charged with serious knife and firearm offenses who are being released on bail, warning that this practice is likely to lead to a rise in violent crime.
In testimony to the London Policing Board, Sir Mark stated he was "flabbergasted" by the frequency with which offenders are returned to the streets, sometimes after multiple arrests for weapon possession. He revealed that more than 30 individuals charged with serious firearms offenses in London are currently on bail. Across England and Wales, approximately 3,000 electronic tag breaches by bailed suspects occur weekly.
Sir Mark noted that courts re-release offenders on bail in about nine out of ten cases, a situation that he believes emboldens repeat offenders. He highlighted that "stabbings and in one or two cases homicides" have been committed by individuals who would have previously been held in custody while awaiting trial. The number of bailed suspects breaching their electronic tag conditions has seen a significant increase, rising by nearly 50% in London alone between January and July.
"In more than 95 percent of those cases we arrest them, put them before the courts and nothing changes," Sir Mark said, describing the effort as "nugatory [futile]." He also expressed concern that recent falls in knife crime might be reversing due to what he called "compromised" offender control. He pointed to a specific incident where a repeat knife offender, already on bail for previous offenses, was apprehended attempting to smuggle a large knife into Notting Hill Carnival.
Jason Hogg, Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police, echoed these concerns, describing the situation as a symptom of a "criminal justice system in crisis." He reported that it is becoming more difficult to remand individuals into custody and that court bail conditions are often not altered even after breaches.
Victims' Commissioner Claire Waxman stated that the issue, originating from a prison capacity crisis, has escalated into a broader challenge for the entire criminal justice system, impacting public safety and confidence.
A government spokesperson countered that knife crime has fallen by 11% and knife homicides by 26% since the current government took office, adding that bail decisions are a matter for the independent judiciary.