Electronic Monitoring programme

It is unacceptable that HMPPS still does not know if or how tagging reduces reoffending,...

It is unacceptable that HMPPS still does not know if or how tagging reduces reoffending, and it has been too slow to improve data. Despite our previous recommendations, HMPPS still does not know the impact of tagging. The Ministry recognises that evaluation of the transformation programme was not as strong … Read more It is unacceptable that HMPPS still does not know if or how tagging reduces reoffending, and it has been too slow to improve data. Despite our previous recommendations, HMPPS still does not know the impact of tagging. The Ministry recognises that evaluation of the transformation programme was not as strong as it should have been. HMPPS has now strengthened its analytical capacity, and has committed to evaluating its expansion programme, although it will need to rely on higher numbers of tagged offenders to better understand differences in outcomes between tagged offenders and control groups if it is to build a rich evidence base. It recognises the importance of establishing links to reoffending, but accepts it has previously missed opportunities to develop this understanding. There is variable use of tagging between courts. Going forward, better evidence on what works in tagging will help improve magistrates’ and judges’ understanding of the sentencing options available. Linked to this, HMPPS has not improved persistent issues with data availability and quality, such as the lack of data on offenders’ protected characteristics. It does not know whether ethnic minority offenders are over- or under-represented in tagging services but has committed to collect better data in future contracts. Recommendation: Within one year, HMPPS should publish a comprehensive plan outlining what it has achieved so far and remaining work required in: • improving data collection and analysis in tagging services; • monitoring the delivery of benefits in its expansion programme; and • building the evidence base for the impact of tagging on reoffending and offenders’ diversion from prison. Show less