Russell Webster
@russellwebster.com
Researcher, evaluator, consultant & writer in drugs, alcohol & criminal justice. My blog keeps you up-to-date on the latest policy, practice and research.
London’s homicide rate drops to lowest in more than a decade
In 2025, the Metropolitan police recorded 97 homicides in London, down from 153 in 2019, and down from 109 in 2024.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
In 2025, the Metropolitan police recorded 97 homicides in London, down from 153 in 2019, and down from 109 in 2024.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
London’s homicide rate drops to lowest in more than a decade
Sadiq Khan says ‘public health’ approach has made the capital one of the safest cities in the western world
www.theguardian.com
January 12, 2026 at 6:50 AM
London’s homicide rate drops to lowest in more than a decade
In 2025, the Metropolitan police recorded 97 homicides in London, down from 153 in 2019, and down from 109 in 2024.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
In 2025, the Metropolitan police recorded 97 homicides in London, down from 153 in 2019, and down from 109 in 2024.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Slashing jury trials could clear courts backlog within a decade, says Lammy
Lord chancellor urges MPs to back judge-only trials in thousands of criminal cases
@guardian interview
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Lord chancellor urges MPs to back judge-only trials in thousands of criminal cases
@guardian interview
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Slashing jury trials could clear courts backlog within a decade, says Lammy
Exclusive: Lord chancellor urges MPs to back judge-only trials in thousands of criminal cases in England and Wales
www.theguardian.com
January 12, 2026 at 6:47 AM
Slashing jury trials could clear courts backlog within a decade, says Lammy
Lord chancellor urges MPs to back judge-only trials in thousands of criminal cases
@guardian interview
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Lord chancellor urges MPs to back judge-only trials in thousands of criminal cases
@guardian interview
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
HMP Featherstone inspection
Good leadership but major problems including drugs, self-inflicted deaths, conditions of units & poor training opportunities
@hmiprisonsnews.bsky.social
cdn.websitebuilder.service.justice.gov.uk/uploads/site...
Good leadership but major problems including drugs, self-inflicted deaths, conditions of units & poor training opportunities
@hmiprisonsnews.bsky.social
cdn.websitebuilder.service.justice.gov.uk/uploads/site...
cdn.websitebuilder.service.justice.gov.uk
January 12, 2026 at 6:45 AM
HMP Featherstone inspection
Good leadership but major problems including drugs, self-inflicted deaths, conditions of units & poor training opportunities
@hmiprisonsnews.bsky.social
cdn.websitebuilder.service.justice.gov.uk/uploads/site...
Good leadership but major problems including drugs, self-inflicted deaths, conditions of units & poor training opportunities
@hmiprisonsnews.bsky.social
cdn.websitebuilder.service.justice.gov.uk/uploads/site...
Prison Problems Old and New
@robroballen.bsky.social with examples of persistent problems in our prison system, whether they were built in the 1800s or 2020
reformingprisons.blogspot.com/2026/01/pris...
@robroballen.bsky.social with examples of persistent problems in our prison system, whether they were built in the 1800s or 2020
reformingprisons.blogspot.com/2026/01/pris...
Prison Problems Old and New
HMP Dartmoor was first built because overcrowding, poor sanitation and lack of fresh air on the floating hulks off Plymouth were causing s...
reformingprisons.blogspot.com
January 9, 2026 at 6:42 AM
Prison Problems Old and New
@robroballen.bsky.social with examples of persistent problems in our prison system, whether they were built in the 1800s or 2020
reformingprisons.blogspot.com/2026/01/pris...
@robroballen.bsky.social with examples of persistent problems in our prison system, whether they were built in the 1800s or 2020
reformingprisons.blogspot.com/2026/01/pris...
Thousands of offenders to get health support at probation meetings
NHS clinicians will sit in on appointments in pilot scheme in four areas aimed at reducing reoffending
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
NHS clinicians will sit in on appointments in pilot scheme in four areas aimed at reducing reoffending
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
Thousands of offenders in England to get health support at probation meetings
Exclusive: NHS clinicians will sit in on appointments in pilot scheme in four areas aimed at reducing reoffending
www.theguardian.com
January 9, 2026 at 6:36 AM
Thousands of offenders to get health support at probation meetings
NHS clinicians will sit in on appointments in pilot scheme in four areas aimed at reducing reoffending
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
NHS clinicians will sit in on appointments in pilot scheme in four areas aimed at reducing reoffending
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
‘Catastrophic’ MoJ leasing of jail with toxic gas set to cost more than £100m
Public Accounts Committee criticises 10-year deal struck in ‘blind panic’ to rent Dartmoor prison
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
Public Accounts Committee criticises 10-year deal struck in ‘blind panic’ to rent Dartmoor prison
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
‘Catastrophic’ MoJ leasing of jail with toxic gas set to cost more than £100m
MPs criticise 10-year deal struck in ‘blind panic’ to rent Dartmoor prison, where high levels of radon had been detected
www.theguardian.com
January 7, 2026 at 6:45 AM
‘Catastrophic’ MoJ leasing of jail with toxic gas set to cost more than £100m
Public Accounts Committee criticises 10-year deal struck in ‘blind panic’ to rent Dartmoor prison
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
Public Accounts Committee criticises 10-year deal struck in ‘blind panic’ to rent Dartmoor prison
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
Thousands of new magistrates wanted in 2026 as Government launches national recruitment campaign www.gov.uk/government/n...
Thousands of new magistrates wanted in 2026 as Government launches national recruitment campaign
Thousands of ordinary people from all walks of life are being called on by the Government today (3 January) to volunteer their time to delivering justice by becoming a magistrate.
www.gov.uk
January 5, 2026 at 6:59 AM
Thousands of new magistrates wanted in 2026 as Government launches national recruitment campaign www.gov.uk/government/n...
The Right to be Forgotten
@unlockcharity.bsky.social report shows how digital search is undermining the rehabilitation of offenders
www.russellwebster.com/the-right-to...
@unlockcharity.bsky.social report shows how digital search is undermining the rehabilitation of offenders
www.russellwebster.com/the-right-to...
The Right to be Forgotten
Unlock report shows how digital search is undermining the rehabilitation of offenders
www.russellwebster.com
January 5, 2026 at 6:36 AM
The Right to be Forgotten
@unlockcharity.bsky.social report shows how digital search is undermining the rehabilitation of offenders
www.russellwebster.com/the-right-to...
@unlockcharity.bsky.social report shows how digital search is undermining the rehabilitation of offenders
www.russellwebster.com/the-right-to...
There are 86,838 people in prison today, a fall of 124 on last week.
December 23, 2025 at 7:43 AM
There are 86,838 people in prison today, a fall of 124 on last week.
Prosecutions for strangulation in England and Wales increase sixfold in three years
CPS says new law marked ‘significant shift in recognising serious nature’ of offence, often linked to domestic abuse and sexual assault
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
CPS says new law marked ‘significant shift in recognising serious nature’ of offence, often linked to domestic abuse and sexual assault
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Prosecutions for strangulation in England and Wales increase sixfold in three years
CPS says new law marked ‘significant shift in recognising serious nature’ of offence, often linked to domestic abuse and sexual assault
www.theguardian.com
December 23, 2025 at 7:40 AM
Prosecutions for strangulation in England and Wales increase sixfold in three years
CPS says new law marked ‘significant shift in recognising serious nature’ of offence, often linked to domestic abuse and sexual assault
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
CPS says new law marked ‘significant shift in recognising serious nature’ of offence, often linked to domestic abuse and sexual assault
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Dame Carol Black appointed as independent advisor on drugs
A little bit of positive news for Christmas:
Dame Carol Black GBE has been appointed to the role of independent advisor to the UK government on drugs for a 3-year term until November 2028.
www.gov.uk/government/n...
A little bit of positive news for Christmas:
Dame Carol Black GBE has been appointed to the role of independent advisor to the UK government on drugs for a 3-year term until November 2028.
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Dame Carol Black appointed as independent advisor on drugs
Dame Carol Black GBE has been appointed to the role of independent advisor to the UK government on drugs for a 3-year term until November 2028.
www.gov.uk
December 22, 2025 at 9:42 AM
Dame Carol Black appointed as independent advisor on drugs
A little bit of positive news for Christmas:
Dame Carol Black GBE has been appointed to the role of independent advisor to the UK government on drugs for a 3-year term until November 2028.
www.gov.uk/government/n...
A little bit of positive news for Christmas:
Dame Carol Black GBE has been appointed to the role of independent advisor to the UK government on drugs for a 3-year term until November 2028.
www.gov.uk/government/n...
It's Day 22 of my Advent Calendar criminal justice quiz:
www.russellwebster.com/russells-adv...
www.russellwebster.com/russells-adv...
Russell’s Advent Calendar 2025
Welcome to Russell's Advent CalendarThis is my Christmas Quiz, it works like a regular advent calendar and tests your knowledge of some of 2025's main events in criminal justice. It's certainly
www.russellwebster.com
December 22, 2025 at 7:54 AM
It's Day 22 of my Advent Calendar criminal justice quiz:
www.russellwebster.com/russells-adv...
www.russellwebster.com/russells-adv...
There are just six questions left in my Advent CalendarChristmas criminal justice quiz:
www.russellwebster.com/russells-adv...
www.russellwebster.com/russells-adv...
Russell’s Advent Calendar 2025
Welcome to Russell's Advent CalendarThis is my Christmas Quiz, it works like a regular advent calendar and tests your knowledge of some of 2025's main events in criminal justice. It's certainly
www.russellwebster.com
December 19, 2025 at 12:26 PM
There are just six questions left in my Advent CalendarChristmas criminal justice quiz:
www.russellwebster.com/russells-adv...
www.russellwebster.com/russells-adv...
New 'gamechanging' spike detector technology that can tell if your vape has drugs in it to be trialled by police over Christmas
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article...
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article...
December 19, 2025 at 9:37 AM
New 'gamechanging' spike detector technology that can tell if your vape has drugs in it to be trialled by police over Christmas
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article...
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article...
Incentivised Substance Free Living prison Wings work well for prisoners and staff
Positive process evaluation of Incentivised Substance Free Living prison Wings
www.russellwebster.com/incentivised...
Positive process evaluation of Incentivised Substance Free Living prison Wings
www.russellwebster.com/incentivised...
Incentivised Substance Free Living prison Wings work well for prisoners and staff
Positive process evaluation of Incentivised Substance Free Living prison Wings
www.russellwebster.com
December 18, 2025 at 6:10 AM
Incentivised Substance Free Living prison Wings work well for prisoners and staff
Positive process evaluation of Incentivised Substance Free Living prison Wings
www.russellwebster.com/incentivised...
Positive process evaluation of Incentivised Substance Free Living prison Wings
www.russellwebster.com/incentivised...
The impact of Incentivised Substance Free Living prison wings
Randomised Controlled Trial finds ISFL prison wings provide a more stable environment with fewer assaults and incidents of self-harm
www.russellwebster.com/the-impact-o...
Randomised Controlled Trial finds ISFL prison wings provide a more stable environment with fewer assaults and incidents of self-harm
www.russellwebster.com/the-impact-o...
The impact of Incentivised Substance Free Living prison wings
Randomised Controlled Trial finds incentivised substance free living prison wings provide a more stable environment.
www.russellwebster.com
December 17, 2025 at 6:39 AM
The impact of Incentivised Substance Free Living prison wings
Randomised Controlled Trial finds ISFL prison wings provide a more stable environment with fewer assaults and incidents of self-harm
www.russellwebster.com/the-impact-o...
Randomised Controlled Trial finds ISFL prison wings provide a more stable environment with fewer assaults and incidents of self-harm
www.russellwebster.com/the-impact-o...
Urgent Notification on HMP Swaleside
@HMIPrisonsnews has issued a UN after inspectors discovered "dangerously unsafe conditions for prisoners and staff".
cdn.websitebuilder.service.justice.gov.uk/uploads/site...
@HMIPrisonsnews has issued a UN after inspectors discovered "dangerously unsafe conditions for prisoners and staff".
cdn.websitebuilder.service.justice.gov.uk/uploads/site...
cdn.websitebuilder.service.justice.gov.uk
December 17, 2025 at 6:37 AM
Urgent Notification on HMP Swaleside
@HMIPrisonsnews has issued a UN after inspectors discovered "dangerously unsafe conditions for prisoners and staff".
cdn.websitebuilder.service.justice.gov.uk/uploads/site...
@HMIPrisonsnews has issued a UN after inspectors discovered "dangerously unsafe conditions for prisoners and staff".
cdn.websitebuilder.service.justice.gov.uk/uploads/site...
Serious Further Offences keep rising
HMI Probation's fourth annual report on serious further offences reveals poor communication with victims' families. www.russellwebster.com/serious-furt...
HMI Probation's fourth annual report on serious further offences reveals poor communication with victims' families. www.russellwebster.com/serious-furt...
Serious Further Offences keep rising
HMI Probation's fourth annual report on serious further offences reveals poor communication with victims' families.
www.russellwebster.com
December 16, 2025 at 6:32 AM
Serious Further Offences keep rising
HMI Probation's fourth annual report on serious further offences reveals poor communication with victims' families. www.russellwebster.com/serious-furt...
HMI Probation's fourth annual report on serious further offences reveals poor communication with victims' families. www.russellwebster.com/serious-furt...
Looking for a new job in the New Year?
@cjinnovation.bsky.social is looking for a new policy officer: www.russellwebster.com/job/cjipol12...
@cjinnovation.bsky.social is looking for a new policy officer: www.russellwebster.com/job/cjipol12...
Policy Officer – Centre for Justice Innovation
Employment Type: Permanent / 35 hours per weekLocation Hybrid · London Flexible hours and home working are available.Salary: £35,000Team: Policy & CommunicationSeniority: Ju
www.russellwebster.com
December 15, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Looking for a new job in the New Year?
@cjinnovation.bsky.social is looking for a new policy officer: www.russellwebster.com/job/cjipol12...
@cjinnovation.bsky.social is looking for a new policy officer: www.russellwebster.com/job/cjipol12...
It's Day 15 of my Advent Calendar criminal justice quiz:
www.russellwebster.com/russells-adv...
www.russellwebster.com/russells-adv...
Russell’s Advent Calendar 2025
Welcome to Russell's Advent CalendarThis is my Christmas Quiz, it works like a regular advent calendar and tests your knowledge of some of 2025's main events in criminal justice. It's certainly
www.russellwebster.com
December 15, 2025 at 1:10 PM
It's Day 15 of my Advent Calendar criminal justice quiz:
www.russellwebster.com/russells-adv...
www.russellwebster.com/russells-adv...
There are 86,962 people in prison today, a fall of 94 on last week.
December 15, 2025 at 1:09 PM
There are 86,962 people in prison today, a fall of 94 on last week.
Nice work Cassia 🎄
December 14, 2025 at 7:38 AM
Nice work Cassia 🎄
Today's criminal justice quiz question asks about women in the CJS...
www.russellwebster.com/russells-adv...
www.russellwebster.com/russells-adv...
Russell’s Advent Calendar 2025
Welcome to Russell's Advent CalendarThis is my Christmas Quiz, it works like a regular advent calendar and tests your knowledge of some of 2025's main events in criminal justice. It's certainly
www.russellwebster.com
December 12, 2025 at 8:40 AM
Today's criminal justice quiz question asks about women in the CJS...
www.russellwebster.com/russells-adv...
www.russellwebster.com/russells-adv...
Influencing public opinion on crime
Tom McNeill of Jabbs Foundation reviews the evidence on how organisations can influence public opinion on crime for the @clinks-charity.bsky.social Evidence Library.
www.russellwebster.com/influencing-...
Tom McNeill of Jabbs Foundation reviews the evidence on how organisations can influence public opinion on crime for the @clinks-charity.bsky.social Evidence Library.
www.russellwebster.com/influencing-...
Influencing public opinion on crime
Tom McNeil reviews the evidence on how organisations can influence public opinion on crime for the Clinks Evidence Library.
www.russellwebster.com
December 12, 2025 at 6:37 AM
Influencing public opinion on crime
Tom McNeill of Jabbs Foundation reviews the evidence on how organisations can influence public opinion on crime for the @clinks-charity.bsky.social Evidence Library.
www.russellwebster.com/influencing-...
Tom McNeill of Jabbs Foundation reviews the evidence on how organisations can influence public opinion on crime for the @clinks-charity.bsky.social Evidence Library.
www.russellwebster.com/influencing-...
It is rather glum. Day 9 working my end... I have refreshed so hope it's okay yours now...
December 11, 2025 at 10:28 AM
It is rather glum. Day 9 working my end... I have refreshed so hope it's okay yours now...