Roger Hirst, PFCC for Essex, welcomes new measures to help reduce reoffending

Roger Hirst, the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, has today welcomed measures outlined by the Justice Secretary Robert Buckland. The plans include minimum mandatory sentences for violent and sexual offenders as well as the use of ‘sobriety tags’ to monitor criminals after their release. Roger Hirst said: “The public need to have confidence that when sentences are passed the offenders will face the consequences of their actions. Soft sentencing undermines the justice system and lets people off too lightly. “Monday’s announcement is clear sign that offenders will be robustly dealt with, victims will be supported and communities protected.” He added: “Alcohol related crimes have a huge impact on community. We need to look at doing whatever we can to disrupt people from drinking heavily and harming others or themselves.”