Delays in fitting electronic tags leave victims vulnerable, inspectorate warns
A new HMIP report finds that only about half of GPS and radio-frequency tags are installed on time, exposing victims in England and Wales to increased risk.
According to a recent HMIP inspection, significant delays in installing electronic monitoring devices are compromising public protection. Only 55% of GPS and radio-frequency tags are fitted within the required timeframe, while 60% of alcohol-monitoring tags meet the deadline. Some offenders wait as long as five months, leading to repeated violations of court and prison orders.
The Ministry of Justice points to a historic £100 million investment to expand tagging, yet the report notes that data from the devices is under-utilised and major breaches are examined in just 46% of cases. Victims' Commissioner Claire Waxman stresses the need for immediate notification of any delays, and probation officials warn that overstretched resources may hinder effective responses. The findings come as the Sentencing Act 2026 aims to release more prisoners early, many of whom will rely on electronic monitoring.
Why it matters
Delayed tagging undermines victim safety and questions the effectiveness of a costly expansion of electronic monitoring.
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