'Significant work' needed to reduce people entering criminal justice system

Refreshed Criminal Justice Strategy to go to Tynwald

Government says there is still ‘significant work’ to do to reduce the number of people entering the criminal justice system on the Isle of Man.

The Department of Home Affairs has set out a new 10-year plan to protect the public, support victims, prevent crime and strengthen confidence.

The Criminal Justice Strategy Refresh 2026-2036 will go to Tynwald in July along with the Criminal Justice Strategy Review and the Criminal Justice Board’s Annual Report.

A review of the criminal justice system in 2011 found it was not working well for ‘managers, offenders or victims’ and was said to paint a ‘grim picture’.

The last strategy which ran from 2012 sought to address the ‘significant issues’ identified in that report.  

Priorities

The new 10-year plan is built around the same four priorities outlined in 2012 - prevention, rehabilitation, appropriate response and new ways of working.

Justice and Home Affairs Minister Jane Poole-Wilson said: "The Isle of Man remains a safe place to live, work and visit but we cannot stand still.

"Crime is changing, demand on services is increasing and the justice system must continue to adapt.

"This refreshed strategy is about building on strong foundations.

"Since the original strategy was introduced we have modernised key legislation, strengthened support for victims and developed better ways for agencies to work together.

"The next decade must be about turning that progress into lasting outcomes: preventing crime where we can, supporting victims, helping people avoid offending or re-offending, and making sure the system is fair, effective and trusted.

"The Criminal Justice Board has an important role in bringing partners together and holding the system to account.

"Bringing the suite of documents before Tynwald shows the progress made, the challenges ahead and the vision for the future."

Prison

The department says the refreshed strategy builds upon the ‘changed landscape’ including new and evolving legislation, more sophisticated offending and new technology.

It highlights reserving the Isle of Man Prison for the most serious offenders as being a key priority saying alternatives, for some offences, must be considered.

In 2012 the prison population was 81, in 2024 this had more than doubled and in January 2025 the prison population was 160 - which is 17 people over capacity.

A further expansion of the facility is planned to provide future capacity.

"The prison population has continued to grow. Whilst actions are being taken to ensure resilience, we must continue progress to increase alternatives to custody where appropriate."- Justice and Home Affairs Minister Jane Poole-Wilson

Youth Justice

Tackling violence amongst young people and reforming youth justice are also highlighted as key priorities.

A new operating model for youth justice has been prepared with the DHA saying early intervention is essential to address adverse childhood experiences and provide support through education, health and social services.

Reports

You can read the Criminal Justice Strategy Refresh 2026-2036 HERE.

You can read the Criminal Justice Strategy Review Report HERE.

You can read the Criminal Justice Board’s Annual Report HERE.