Funding expands programme to tag perpetrators of domestic abuse

The Mayor of London has announced additional funding to boost programme to tag knife crime and domestic abuse offenders with a GPS tracking device on release from prison.

More than 600 GPS tags have already been fitted in the capital for knife crime and domestic abuse offenders after release, with another 300 tags expected to be fitted after the Mayor announced a £350,000 funding boost.

The Mayor of London hopes the investment will cut reoffending, improve rehabilitation, and reduce the risk victims face when the offender is released.

Evidence shows that GPS tracking devices can play an important role in ensuring offenders comply with the conditions of their release and helping police and probation services catch reoffending, with more than half of the 600 offenders fitted with tags successfully completing their probation and 160 returned to prison after being found to breach their release conditions.

The Mayor launched a GPS tagging pilot for knife crime offenders in February 2019, which has since expanded to cover every borough in London, and due to its success, he also launched the first-ever UK domestic abuse perpetrator tagging pilot in March.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: ‘Tackling violence and making our city safer is my number one priority and I’m determined to be tough on crime and tough on the complex causes of crime. Tackling violence is about real long-term change and turning around the lives of those at risk of reoffending and violence.

‘That’s why I’m boosting my investment in GPS tags for knife crime offenders and perpetrators of domestic abuse. In London, we’ve seen the impact tagging offenders on release from prison can have on ensuring they comply with the conditions of their release, as well as making sure those who reoffend are swiftly returned to prison. This innovative programme aims to change offenders’ behaviour, reduce reoffending, and provide increased protection for victims.’

Pamela Spring, head of public protection for the probation service in London, added: ‘Against a background of increased levels of knife crime, the use of GPS tagging for knife crime offenders is an integral part of London Probation Service’s strategy to manage the risk knife crime offenders present in order to better protect our communities and reduce the number of victims.’

In related news, residents in Leicester have helped to shape the Leicester Knife Crime and Serious Violence Strategy.

Photo by John Cameron