Covid is being partially blamed for an increase in people being granted bail despite police opposition.

The numbers jumped from just over 2000 in 2018 to slightly over 5000 last year.

Police Association President Chris Cahill says some of those will be on electronic bail and will be closely monitored.

He told Kate Hawkesby that the pandemic's seen more serious offenders being kept in prison while they await trial.

Cahill says the increased bail may show a judge's reluctance to hold more criminals in remand.

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