Concerns raised over Electronic Tagging Contract Awards

Electronic tagging is a common condition in many bail, parole, and sentence arrangements — but when the system fails, the consequences can be serious for everyone involved. Recent revelations have once again raised concerns over the reliability and oversight of electronic monitoring in the UK criminal justice system.

Private Firms and Public Risk: The Serco Controversy

A recent Channel 4 documentary has shone a light on electronic tagging failures in Teesside, revealing a backlog of visits to high-risk offenders — some of whom were reportedly unmonitored for up to two months.

The programme used undercover footage to show serious gaps in the way tags were being fitted and managed by private contractor Serco.

In response, Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey wrote to the government expressing concerns. He described the situation as “troubling” and criticised the trend of awarding public safety contracts to private firms where cost-cutting trumps quality.

Why Does This Matter to Defence Clients?

From a criminal defence point of view, the reliability of electronic tagging is crucial:

• Unfair Breach Allegations: Faulty monitoring systems could result in false reports of curfew breaches or unauthorised movements.
• Delays in Setup: Delays in tag fitting can cause extended custody periods or confusion about release conditions.
• Lack of Clarity: Miscommunication between agencies and contractors can lead to serious legal misunderstandings.

In cases where clients are wrongly accused of breaching tag conditions, defence solicitors may need to investigate the technical and procedural side of electronic monitoring more closely than ever before.

The Ministry of Justice Responds

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) acknowledged the footage and admitted that Serco’s performance remains below acceptable levels. Although it claims the situation has improved since the documentary was filmed, it also stated it will continue imposing financial penalties if necessary.

Meanwhile, Serco insists their monitoring system is improving and highlights the complexities of managing thousands of cases in the community.

What You Should Do if You’re on a Tag

If you’re subject to electronic monitoring, it’s essential to:

• Keep a personal log of your curfew hours and locations.
• Report any technical faults or missed visits immediately.
• Seek legal advice straight away if you’re accused of a breach.

As defence solicitors, we are here to protect your rights — and that includes challenging the reliability of electronic tagging systems when necessary.

Conclusion: Scrutiny is Essential

Electronic tagging plays a significant role in managing criminal cases in the community. But when systems fail, it’s often those being monitored who bear the brunt.

How We Can Help

At our firm, we stay informed and proactive to ensure that you’re not penalised due to flawed processes or poor contractor performance. If you have any questions or concerns, call us on 0161 477 1121 or contact us by email.