Last updated: 23 January 2026
Imprisonment for Public Protection
Also known as:
“IPP”
An indeterminate sentence that is no longer given (abolished in 2012) but still applies to some prisoners. There is no fixed release date - the Parole Board decides when a prisoner can be released, and some IPP prisoners remain in prison beyond their tariff.
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Imprisonment for Public Protection
Parole Board
An independent body that decides whether prisoners serving indeterminate sentences (life, IPP) or extended sentences can be safely released. The Parole Board assesses risk and can set release conditions.
Tariff
The minimum period a prisoner serving a life or indeterminate sentence must serve before being considered for release by the Parole Board.