GPS tagging of criminals leaving prison has significantly reduced reoffending rates, according to new government research. Male offenders who committed burglary, theft and robbery showed a seven percentage point drop in reoffending within 12 months of release.
The Ministry of Justice pilot scheme tracked 3,360 offenders using electronic monitoring devices. Reoffending rates fell from 33.2% to 26.2%, while the average number of reoffences per person dropped from 1.04 to 0.69.
How the system works
The GPS technology monitors criminals' movements and maps their locations against scenes of recent unsolved burglaries and theft. Police receive alerts when tagged offenders appear near crime scenes, helping focus investigations on viable suspects.
The system has streamlined police work by ruling out suspects early in investigations. Researchers estimate the technology could have prevented 16,000 unnecessary arrests of adults by eliminating false leads.
Government response
Prisons minister Lord James Timpson said: "The evidence is clear that tagging works, acting as a constant reminder to thieves and burglars that we are watching their every move and will know if they reoffend. We are increasing the use of tagging as part of our Plan for Change to toughen punishment, prevent crime and make our streets safer."
The results from the study were deemed statistically significant by researchers. Nearly 20,000 offenders and defendants were wearing electronic tags as of June this year.
Expansion plans
Ministers plan to tag thousands more offenders as part of broader sentencing reforms. The government aims to deliver tougher community punishments while reducing reliance on short prison sentences.
The Probation Service will receive an additional £700 million by 2028 to support these reforms. Officials also plan to recruit 1,300 new probation officers by March 2026 to manage the expanded monitoring programmes.
Sources used: "PA Media", "Evening Standard", "Express" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
