ROTL (Release on Temporary Licence)
A scheme allowing eligible prisoners to leave prison temporarily for specific purposes such as work, education, or family visits.
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Category D Prison
Open prisons with minimal security for those trusted not to escape. Often used for those nearing the end of sentences.
HDC (Home Detention Curfew)
A scheme allowing eligible prisoners to be released early to serve the remainder of their sentence at home, wearing an electronic tag. Section 26 of the Sentencing Act 2026 would narrow eligibility, but it is not yet in force. Separately, anyone already released on a curfew licence before 1 October 2026 is not reached by the new release points until 12 October 2027 (SI 2026/953, regulation 4). Where someone is recalled after an HDC release, the automatic release period is the later of 56 days and the custodial period they would otherwise have served.