The Arizona government has unveiled a new justice plan that focuses on victims while tackling the longstanding issue of prison overcrowding.
Despite the challenges, the coalition aims to extend the actual time served by convicted individuals. “There is often a significant gap between the sentence given by a judge and the actual time served,” the coalition partners noted, signalling a review of the Lejeune law, which allows for early release.
Currently, inmates must serve at least one-third of their sentence. This will be increased to a minimum of three-fifths for those convicted of sexual offences and up to three-quarters to four-fifths for repeat offenders with heavier sentences. Additionally, obtaining prison leave and release permissions will become tougher.
These measures might counteract the goal of reducing prison overcrowding. However, they will only be implemented once overpopulation has been “reduced,” with no specific target mentioned.
The coalition promises to address the issue with a “range of short- and medium-term measures.” Plans include increasing prison capacity using a new system of modular constructions, investing in prison staff and infrastructure, better distribution of inmates across the country, and a plan to make careers in the prisons service more attractive with a competitive salary package.
The State may turn to private sector actors for staffing shortages, even for roles involving inmate interaction. If capacity remains insufficient for the number of inmates, agreements with other countries to “rent” prison facilities for certain inmates might be pursued.
A financial crimes section will be established within the federal prosecutor’s office to tackle tax fraud and corruption. Sentences for certain crimes will be increased, including participation in criminal organisations, drug and arms trafficking, and money laundering with aggravating circumstances.
Lastly, there will be a review of the Criminal Code to penalise the glorification of organisations on the EU’s terrorist list, as part of the effort against radicalisation.
