The UK’s plan to expand electronic tagging has raised significant alarms regarding public safety, as a new report from the National Audit Office (NAO) highlights major flaws in the current system. With approximately 28,700 individuals under electronic monitoring in England and Wales—a figure that has doubled in just five years—the report indicates that without substantial upgrades, the proposed scaling of the programme could endanger the public and exacerbate existing issues within the justice system.
The State of Electronic Monitoring
The rapid increase in electronic tagging is intended to alleviate the overcrowding crisis in prisons, with government projections estimating that around 22,000 individuals will be tagged annually by 2027. However, the NAO’s findings suggest that many of those tagged may not be effectively monitored. As of March 2026, the HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) was reviewing nearly 8,900 cases—representing 24% of the total tagged—raising serious concerns about the system’s oversight and reliability.
While the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) claims the number of unmonitored cases is lower at approximately 5,450, the lack of clarity on how many individuals are being effectively supervised is troubling. This discrepancy underscores the urgent need for transparency and accountability within the electronic monitoring framework.
Performance Issues and Delays
The report also criticises the performance of Serco, one of the external contractors responsible for implementing electronic monitoring. Between August 2024 and July 2025, there were significant delays in tagging individuals, and authorities were not promptly informed of potential breaches. Although the situation has reportedly improved, a backlog of visits for fitting, checking, or removing tags reached a staggering 7,000 before being reduced to fewer than 400 by November 2024.
In February 2026, Serco met its target for timely visits but only managed to fit tags on 62% of individuals during those visits. This raises crucial questions about the effectiveness of the monitoring process and the safety of the community.
Staffing Shortfalls and Future Expansion
Another critical concern highlighted in the NAO report is the estimated shortfall of about 2,200 probation staff, which could hinder the safe scaling of the electronic monitoring system. The report concludes that without a concerted effort by the MoJ and HMPPS to address challenges related to governance, data quality, and inefficiencies, further expansion of electronic monitoring may not only be ineffective but could also pose significant risks to public safety.
The government has earmarked up to £175 million to support the expansion of electronic monitoring from 2026 to 2029. However, experts caution that simply increasing the number of tagged individuals without addressing systemic issues may lead to wasted resources and heightened danger for the community.
Voices of Concern
Gareth Davies, head of the NAO, emphasised that while electronic monitoring is essential for managing prison pressures, its current inefficiencies create risks to public safety. Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, chair of the public accounts committee, echoed this sentiment, expressing deep concerns about the government’s lack of knowledge regarding unmonitored individuals, which leaves the public vulnerable to potential risks.
Pia Sinha, chief executive of the Prison Reform Trust, voiced her apprehension, stating that the government must not view electronic monitoring as a simple solution for prison overcrowding. She urged that any expansion should be accompanied by investment in probation services and robust safeguards to ensure that the system works effectively.
In response to the criticisms, a MoJ spokesperson acknowledged the legacy of a failing tagging system and highlighted recent improvements, including a nearly 50% increase in installation rates since 2024. They reiterated the government’s commitment to public safety and outlined plans for further investment in both electronic monitoring and the probation system.
Why it Matters
The findings of the NAO report are a wake-up call for the UK’s justice system. As the government seeks to manage increasing prison populations through electronic monitoring, it must ensure that any expansion prioritises public safety and effective oversight. Without addressing the systemic flaws identified in the report, the risks posed by unmonitored offenders could undermine public confidence in the justice system and further complicate efforts to rehabilitate individuals and reduce reoffending. The stakes are high, and the government must act decisively to build a system that truly serves the needs of both offenders and the community.
