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A recent report from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation (HMIP) has revealed that nearly half of the electronic tags intended to monitor offenders’ movements are not attached within the prescribed timeframe. These delays pose increased risks to victims across England and Wales, as some offenders may remain unmonitored for extended periods. The findings highlight that certain individuals wait as long as five months before being fitted with tags, which contributes to frequent violations of court and prison orders.
According to the report, only 55% of GPS and radio frequency tags were installed on schedule, and just 60% of alcohol monitoring devices were fitted promptly. In some instances, individuals experienced waits exceeding two weeks, with about one in ten subjected to delays of up to five months after the mandated fitting time. One factor contributing to these delays is offenders not making themselves available when the tag installation was scheduled.
Electronic tagging plays a key role in the Probation Service’s efforts to enforce curfews and other conditions linked to court or prison orders. As of June 2026, 27,847 people in England and Wales were subject to tagging orders. There are three main types of monitoring devices in use: curfew tags, location tags, and alcohol tags. Each serves to tightly regulate the offender’s movements, manage risk levels, and enhance victim protection. When orders are breached, offenders may face immediate prison recall, new court orders, or formal warnings.
Martin Jones CBE, HM Chief Inspector of Probation, cautioned about the limitations of electronic monitoring if professional oversight does not keep pace. He said, “There is a real danger that electronic monitoring creates a false sense of assurance if the technology is not matched by effective professional practice.” He also warned against expanding tagging programs without addressing existing weaknesses, as this could lead to overpromising public safety outcomes. Victims’ Commissioner Claire Waxman OBE echoed these concerns, emphasizing the importance of victims being informed immediately about any delays, to prevent a false sense of security. The report also noted that data generated from tags is often underutilized, with significant violations investigated in only 46% of relevant cases, and little evidence suggesting the technology is used consistently to encourage offenders’ behavioural change.
The Ministry of Justice highlighted that public protection remains a key priority and pointed to a significant investment in expanding electronic monitoring. With £100 million in funding allocated, the government is undertaking what it calls the “biggest expansion of tagging in British history,” reporting a nearly 50% increase in tag installations since 2024. This effort complements a broader £700 million investment in probation and community services, which includes the recruitment of thousands of new trainee probation officers to improve supervision. Recent legislation, the Sentencing Act 2026, supports these initiatives by enabling more offenders to be managed within the community, thereby alleviating prison overcrowding. As part of this move, thousands of prisoners scheduled for early release from October will largely be required to wear monitoring tags
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