Almost half of electronic tags fitted late, probation watchdog warns ahead of early releases

A probation inspectorate report has found that almost half of electronic tags used to track offenders in England and Wales are not fitted on time, with some offenders waiting up to five months. Inspectors say the delays can put victims at risk.

The report from HM Inspectorate of Probation, the probation watchdog, found only 55% of GPS and radio frequency tags were fitted on schedule. Just 60% of alcohol monitoring tags were attached on time. The findings are based on a snapshot of 180 individual cases. In the 12 months to June this year, almost 28,000 people were given tagging orders in England and Wales.

The report comes as around 700 prisoners are expected to be released early from jails across England and Wales this week. The first releases under the scheme are due on Thursday. Victims groups and campaigners say the timing leaves them fearful.

Victims' concerns include a false sense of security. One campaigner said victims may change their behaviour to stay safe, but if a tag is not fitted they need to know immediately. There were also calls for a robust response to breaches. It was reported that around 300 breaches of tags are dealt with every day, and that number is expected to rise in the short term as early releases take effect. Officials said notifications are acted on swiftly and offenders can be returned to prison if they are not safe to remain in the community.

Jade Belgrove, a survivor of sexual abuse who waived her right to anonymity, said the report exposed weaknesses in the system. She said probation services and tagging services were not ready for a mass release of criminals. She described the situation as horrifying and said it was one reason why people are losing faith in the justice system.

Martin Jones, the chief inspector of probation, said the technology was not matched by effective professional practice. He said there was a false sense of assurance. Probation officers need the information to understand risk, he said, but unless people are tagged promptly after leaving prison there is a risk of further harm to victims. He urged the government to look at all opportunities to ensure people are tagged at the earliest possible opportunity.

The Ministry of Justice said public protection is its priority. It said the government is delivering the biggest expansion of tagging in British history, backed by £100 million in funding. Inspectors and victims groups are calling for urgent and more robust changes to better protect the public.

The mechanics of tagging also explain some delays. Tags are not generally fitted in prison for various technological reasons. They are fitted after someone has left prison, often because they rely on external home equipment or cellular networks in the community. That can lead to waits.