GPS Tagging Cuts Offender Reoffending by 7 Percent UK-wide

A Ministry of Justice pilot scheme employing GPS tagging for male offenders convicted of burglary, theft, and robbery has led to a significant reduction in reoffending rates, dropping from 33.2% to 26.2%, a seven percentage point decrease. The average number of reoffences per offender fell from 1.04 to 0.69, indicating the technology's effectiveness as a deterrent and accountability tool. The scheme enabled police to monitor offenders' movements in real-time, cross-referencing these with locations of unsolved crimes, which resulted in 163 convictions and helped avoid approximately 16,000 unnecessary arrests over three years. Although tagging did not impact recall rates to prison for licence breaches, it has streamlined police investigations by ruling out suspects early, freeing up resources for other cases. The government plans to expand the use of electronic tagging as part of sentencing reforms and a £700 million increase in the probation budget to enhance public safety and reduce crime further. Officials emphasize that GPS tagging acts as a constant reminder to offenders that their movements are monitored, supporting smarter policing and safer communities.