Offenders released early from prison in England and Wales should be fitted with electronic monitoring devices immediately upon leaving custody, the victims’ commissioner has urged the government. Claire Waxman highlighted significant delays in fitting these devices after release, which she said put both victims and the wider public at risk.

An investigation by watchdogs revealed that nearly half of offenders are not tagged promptly once freed, with some waiting as long as five months before an electronic tag is attached. These monitoring devices play a crucial role in tracking offenders’ movements and ensuring compliance with restrictions such as victim exclusion zones. Delays in fitting tags diminish the effectiveness of these safeguards and reduce public confidence in the system.

The issue came to public attention recently when a prolific shoplifter was released early from HMP Wandsworth on October 1 without a tag. The individual committed multiple thefts within hours of release and was only rearrested four days later before being sentenced to eight months in prison. This case underscores concerns about the current process and response times related to electronic monitoring.

Waxman and Martin Jones, the chief inspector of probation, also called for faster detection and response when offenders on electronic monitoring breach their conditions. Waxman described the existing system as providing a “false sense of security” because neither victims nor the public could be assured that offenders were tagged promptly or that agencies would act swiftly in response to violations.

“We are tagging them post-release, so they’re coming out and there are delays in getting the tag on them,” Waxman said. She emphasized the need for the government to prioritize tagging prisoners before or immediately upon release. Additionally, she noted the importance of shortening delays in notifying probation and police services when breaches occur.

Jones suggested that mass releases offer an opportunity to improve tagging efficiency. He referenced recent coordinated early releases of 700 offenders, with an additional 650 scheduled for release on the following Tuesday. Jones recommended that the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) aim to tag most offenders equipped with GPS or alcohol-monitoring devices as they exit prison or during their initial probation appointments.

In response, a Ministry of Justice spokesperson acknowledged ongoing challenges within the justice system, attributing them to historical underinvestment. The spokesperson underscored the government’s commitment to reform, including implementing the largest expansion of electronic monitoring ever seen in Britain. They emphasized that tough decisions are being made to address systemic issues and enhance public safety.