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Tagging Failures Leave Offenders Unmonitored for Months
29 Sep
Summary
- Offenders faced delays of up to five months for electronic tag fitting.
- Just over half of required GPS tags were fitted on time.
- Data from tags was not consistently used to promote positive behavior change.
A report by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Probation has revealed critical delays in fitting electronic tags for offenders, with some individuals left unmonitored for up to five months. These extended wait times, including for GPS and radio frequency tags, undermine the effectiveness of electronic monitoring and create a false sense of security for victims.
Inspectors found that only slightly over half of GPS and radio frequency tags were fitted on time, and merely 60 percent of alcohol monitoring tags were applied promptly. In some instances, offenders waited more than two weeks, and one in ten were left without a tag for five months. The consistent use of tag data to promote positive behavior change and reduce reoffending was also found to be lacking, with major violations explored in only 46 percent of cases.
These findings come as the government plans to expand electronic tagging programs as part of the Sentencing Act, with thousands more prisoners set for early release requiring tags. The Ministry of Justice has stated that public protection is a priority, highlighting a significant investment in tagging and probation services to enhance surveillance of dangerous offenders.
