Experts are warning that electronic tag alerts, currently sent via email, are too slow to effectively protect victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault, and stalking. The current system means that if an offender wearing an ankle tag breaches their exclusion zone, probation officers receive an email alert that may not be acted upon until the following day if it arrives outside of working hours.
This issue is particularly concerning as thousands of convicts are scheduled for early release starting in October under a new scheme. Watchdogs suggest these delays could leave victims in fear of their abusers with inadequate protection.
In London alone, the number of suspects breaching their tag conditions has increased by nearly 50 percent in the last six months, rising from 2,977 in January to 4,408 in July. Breaches can include contacting or threatening victims, physical assault, absconding, violating curfews, attempting to remove the tag, or entering prohibited areas.
The Ministry of Justice has been developing a real-time GPS tracking system, which would provide probation officers with an offender's location within five to 15 minutes. However, this technology is still in early development, currently on trial in London and the West Midlands, and is not expected to be available nationwide until late 2027, potentially more than a year after the early release scheme begins.
Martin Jones, the chief inspector of probation, described the current system as providing only "retrospective information that is no reassurance to victims at all." He emphasized the need for a shift towards proactive management, stating that the existing electronic monitoring is "too clunky and reactive."
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has also voiced significant concerns. He expressed astonishment at the number of suspects charged with gun and knife offenses being released on bail, and anticipates a rise in violent crime. Sir Mark is particularly worried about the lack of consequences when these suspects breach bail conditions, noting that in over 95 percent of cases where they are arrested and brought before the courts, "nothing changes."
Claire Waxman, the victims' commissioner, echoed concerns about the delayed rollout of real-time GPS tagging, especially with approximately 4,500 offenders set for release in October. She stated, "With early release beginning in October, my concern is that promises may be outpacing what overstretched services can realistically deliver. There is a real risk of a disconnect between the assurances being given to victims and the reality on the ground. Victims should not be left carrying the risk while systems are still being developed and tested."
Ben Cockburn, national chairman of the probation workers' union Napo, disputed ministerial assurances about probation staff having "constant access" to real-time GPS data, calling such statements misleading. He also noted that the trial of the new technology in London and the West Midlands has lacked apparent evaluation.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice stated that public safety is a top priority and highlighted a record investment of £700 million to equip probation officers with necessary tools. The ministry also pointed to the expansion of tagging in the UK, which includes new technology for real-time offender location access, specialized restriction zones, and a presumption that all prison leavers will be tagged.
Serco, the contractor managing the current email-based system, maintains that they are providing an "excellent service" and meeting all contractual obligations, asserting they have the resources to manage the upcoming release of 4,500 convicts.