Following the report that several inmates released under the government’s early release program were released from custody without the monitoring devices, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) acknowledged the delays.
Serco, which assumed the government’s tagging contract in May 2024, was held accountable by the MoJ.
While the matter is still being investigated, the agency stated that it was holding the company “to account” and giving priority to tagging for victims of domestic abuse.
“Tagging is an important part of our strategy to keep victims safe and cut reoffending, and there are currently record numbers of offenders wearing tags,” a Ministry of Justice official stated.
If Serco does not promptly rectify the issue of some offenders’ tags not being fitted, we will impose financial penalties on the corporation. We are holding Serco accountable for this.
We have given tagging domestic abuse offenders top priority while this problem persists in order to ensure that their license requirements—such as avoiding their victims—are properly adhered to.”
What is causing the delays is unclear. An official from the administration refuted reports of a tag shortage.
