Delays in fitting electronic tags putting victims at risk, report finds

Almost half of the GPS tags used to monitor offenders’ movements are not fitted on time, according to a report by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Probation, leaving victims in England and Wales exposed to risk. The study found that only 55 % of GPS and radio‑frequency tags were installed within the required period, while 60 % of alcohol‑monitoring tags were fitted promptly. In some cases individuals waited as long as five months for a tag, and one in ten experienced a delay of that length after the deadline had passed. Delays of more than two weeks were also common. As of June 2026, a total of 27 847 people had been given tagging orders that were in effect across England and Wales. Martin Jones CBE, HM Chief Inspector of Probation, warned: “There is simply a real risk that electronic monitoring creates a false sense of security if the technology is not matched by effective professional practice.” He added, “Expanding tagging programmes without addressing their weaknesses risks overpromising and underdelivering on public protection.” Victims’ Commissioner Claire Waxman OBE said victims needed to “know immediately” if tagging was delayed because this could give them a “false sense of security.” She called for a “robust response” when breaches occur, but warned there are “real concerns” about how “overstretched” probation services will cope. Inspectors also noted that data from the tags is often underused; serious violations were raised and examined in just 46 % of applicable cases. Three types of tags are in use: curfew tags, location tags and alcohol tags. They impose strict limits on an offender’s movements to manage risk, safeguard the public and protect victims. Those who breach their conditions may be returned to prison immediately, receive a court order or be given a formal warning. A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said public protection remains the government’s priority. “That’s why we are delivering the biggest expansion of tagging in British history, backed by £100 million in funding, with tag install rates up by around 50 % since 2024,” the spokesperson said. “This is part of our £700 million investment in probation and community services, recruiting 2,300 trainee officers over the past 2 years and a further 1,300 this year – ensuring dangerous offenders are kept under closer surveillance than ever before.” Plans to significantly increase electronic monitoring were announced earlier this year as part of the Sentencing Act 2026, which aims to ease prison pressures by supervising more offenders in the community. Thousands more prisoners will be released early from October under the new law, and most of them will be required to wear a tag.