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Less crime

We explore the evidence and find solutions that prevent people becoming victims of crime.

What we do →

Safer communities

We promote common-sense approaches that guide people away from trouble and make towns and cities safer places to live.

What we have achieved →

Fewer people in prison

We campaign for better justice that helps people to unlock their potential and move forward to a brighter future.

Why the system is broken →
79,499 people in prisons

This week there are 79,499 people in prisons and young offender institutions in England and Wales. Reducing this number would help to protect people living and working in prisons during the coronavirus pandemic, and make us all safer in the long term.

View Prison Watch →

Find out more about our work

  • Exterior wall from inside the prison of HMP Pentonville

    COVID-19: OUR RESPONSE

    The Howard League office is closed due to the coronavirus outbreak. Please read our submissions to government about the situation in prisons.

  • Barbed wire at Portland prison

    Justice and fairness in prisons

    Our programme on justice and fairness in prisons seeks to create a blueprint to establish what a just prison would look like, eliminate everyday unfairness and implement fair and restorative approaches.

  • Wandsworth prison interior

    Briefings and submissions

    We are often consulted when policy-makers need expert advice. Read our briefings and submissions.

  • Commission on Crime and Problem Gambling

    The Commission will lead in developing our understanding of, and ability to respond to, the links between problem gambling and crime.

  • Howard League Community Awards

    Every year, the Howard League presents awards to successful community projects that help turn lives around and reduce crime.

  • Pair of police officers on duty in Appleby at the New Fair, Cumbria, UK

    Children in residential care

    Children in children's homes are more likely to be criminalised than other children. Our programme looks into the reasons why, and explores how change could be achieved.

  • The Royal Courts of Justice in London

    Legal advice

    Our lawyers provide expert legal advice to anyone aged under 21 in prison.

  • Four Metropolitan Police officers stand on duty in Central London.

    Children and policing

    The Howard League has been working with police forces in England and Wales to keep as many boys and girls as possible out of the criminal justice system.

Latest blog posts from Frances Crook, our Chief Executive