Electronic tagging system unprepared to monitor thousands of early-release prisoners, watchdog warns

Probation inspector says ‘clunky’ system needs upgrade and huge increase in staff to monitor offenders effectively The electronic tagging system which will be relied upon to monitor thousands of offenders released early from prison is failing to alert the authorities of potential breaches of conditions, a watchdog has warned. Martin Jones, HM inspector of probation in England and Wales, said the current system relies upon hard-pressed police and probation officers looking up individual cases ...

By Rajeev Syal Home affairs editor