Hundreds more Scots criminals fitted with electronic tags as jails set to release inmates

Hundreds of criminals in Scotland have been fitted with electronic tags, according to new research, showing a significant increase compared to previous years. The data reveals that 5,801 individuals were issued with monitoring orders in 2023/24, marking a 14 per cent rise from the previous year. This figure has steadily climbed from 5,082 in the previous 12 months and over 1100 since 2019/20.

This surge in electronic tagging comes as prisons in Scotland are preparing to release a large number of inmates in the upcoming year due to emergency legislation triggered by an overcrowded prison population. The use of electronic tags is a controversial topic, with proponents arguing that it aids in the reintegration of offenders into society while imposing restrictions on those who may still pose a threat.

A report by justice publication 1919 magazine reveals that the majority of criminals tagged last year were adult males, although there was also a significant increase in the number of women fitted with tags. Additionally, 88 individuals under the age of 18 were included in the total number of those fitted with electronic monitoring devices.

Every council in Scotland now has the capability to electronically monitor criminals on bail, aligning with the Scottish Government’s policy to expand the practice further. This move has become increasingly vital as prisons grapple with burgeoning populations. While controversial, the decision to release criminals early after serving only 40 percent of their sentence has garnered support from various organizations representing prison officers and governments. Certain offenders, such as those convicted of domestic violence, are ineligible for the scheme, though prison governors no longer have the authority to veto the releases, unlike in previous instances.

Similar initiatives have been implemented in England, where prisons are also facing capacity challenges. Kate Wallace, chief executive of Victim Support Scotland, highlighted concerns about the effectiveness of electronic tagging, advocating for enhanced monitoring technology such as more accurate GPS tracking to ensure better safeguards for victims and the public.

Scottish Conservative justice spokesperson Liam Kerr critiqued the SNP government’s approach, emphasizing the need for a holistic strategy in the justice system rather than relying excessively on electronic monitoring as an alternative to custodial sentences.

The Scottish Government defended the use of electronic monitoring, stating that it is considered a reliable tool to support individuals living in the community instead of being incarcerated. Public safety and the potential risk to victims are key considerations in determining the suitability of electronic monitoring for each case, informing the imposition of curfews or other restrictions.

In conclusion, the surge in the use of electronic tags in Scotland reflects a broader trend of seeking alternative solutions to address overcrowding in prisons. While electronic monitoring offers a way to manage offenders in the community, concerns remain about its effectiveness and the need for improved technological capabilities to ensure public safety and victim protection.

Insights:
The increasing use of electronic tags in Scotland reflects a shift towards alternative forms of monitoring and managing offenders in the community. While this approach may alleviate prison overcrowding, there are valid concerns about the effectiveness of electronic tagging and the need for more advanced monitoring technology to ensure public safety and victim well-being. The debate surrounding electronic monitoring highlights the complexity of balancing rehabilitation efforts with the need for accountability and safeguarding in the criminal justice system.