UK Early Release Scheme Faces Tagging Failures and Strike Threats

Members of Parliament and probation officials allege that hundreds of prisoners released early in England and Wales, including stalkers and violent offenders, are not being electronically tagged. This occurs as the government releases a second tranche of 650 offenders to reduce prison overcrowding, contradicting promises of the toughest supervision in British history.

Serco, the outsourcing firm contracted for tagging services, denies claims of failure and asserts it is meeting all contractual measures while tagging a record number of people. Justice Minister Jake Richards defended the process, stating that while tagging is presumed for every person, it remains an operational decision.

The system faces further pressure from law enforcement and staff. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley reported that over 95% of individuals arrested for tagging breaches are bailed back into the community without sanctions. Meanwhile, the probation service union Napo reports that the releases have placed enormous strain on staff, leading to a planned industrial action ballot on October 19.