Police told to arrest fewer people as jails in England and Wales become too full

Police in England and Wales are instructed to reduce arrests due to overcrowding in prisons. The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) memo encourages pausing "non-priority" arrests, such as those involving suspects of crimes that have not yet undergone investigative procedures. The memo emphasizes that public safety remains a priority and risk assessments must be conducted before suspending operations. A second NPCC letter highlights the unsustainable impact of prison overcrowding on policing and the potential risks to public safety. The issue is expected to dominate the Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) today, with the opposition likely to criticize the government's handling of the criminal justice system. A Labour spokesperson has condemned the situation and promised to address the need for new prisons and public safety measures.