Ministers reveal that tech and information specialists have been tasked with helping to improve processes and reduce scope for human error, while a review may support new data sharing measures

The government has deployed new technology and additional digital and data experts to help reduce the number of prisoners released mistakenly.

Recently released official figures revealed that, in the 2024/25 year, 262 offenders were released from custody in error – a figure that is more than double the number recorded in the previous year. A total of 91 such releases have been logged so far in 2025/26, including some high-profile recent mistakes that have generated unwanted headlines for the government.

To help address the issue, authorities are turning to technology and data expertise to help better understand processes and identify potentially incorrect decisions made by officials, according to sentencing minister Jake Richards.

“A team of data scientists are reviewing releases in error to gain a clear picture of what is going wrong and, as part of crucial improvements to court processes, an Urgent Warrant Query Unit is being set up, staffed by court experts, so prisons can get urgent answers on what sentences have been imposed,” he said. “A digital rapid response unit has already been in HMP Wandsworth to use cutting-edge technology in place of manual systems and reduce the potential for human error.”

Richards, whose comments were made in response to a written parliamentary question from independent MP Rupert Lowe, said that the tech deployments would supplement “the strongest ever release checks with more direct senior accountability”, that have been recently introduced.

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“Going further, we have established a new Justice Performance Board to provide a comprehensive view of prison and criminal court performance including releases in error,” Richards said.

Alongside these measures, former National Crime Agency head Dame Lynne Owens is currently leading an independent review to assess potential additional remedial actions.

Building on all these “initial steps”, the government “will continue to take action to stop these errors and continue the existing close co-operation that exists between the Ministry of Justice, the Home Office and the police”, according to the minister.

“The government is determined to fix the issue of mistaken releases and ensure the public is properly protected,” he added.

In response to another query from Lowe – who was elected as a Reform MP last year, before being suspended from the party following allegations of bullying and harassment – asylum and border control minister Alex Norris said that “we keep all data sharing systems and agreements between the Home Office and MoJ under review [and] will be mindful of any recommendations or proposals for improvement that might flow from Dame Lynne Owens’ review”.

In answer to an enquiry about whether the public is notified about erroneous prisoner releases, Richards clarified that this is a matter for police.