More on GPS Location Monitoring

At the start of the year the Justice Secretary, David Gauke MP, announced the introduction of GPS location monitoring for those suspected or convicted of an offence.

After trials in the North West, Midlands and North East the new system, which compliments the existing system of RF tags used for the monitoring of curfews, should be available across England and Wales by the end of August 2019.

The new GPS-enabled tags can be used for enforcing bail conditions and monitoring those offenders on community and suspended sentence orders. In common with the existing RF tags, the GPS tags are monitored around the clock by Electronic Monitoring Services (EMS). Unlike the existing RF tags, the GPS tags will allow the tracking of the wearer at any place or time - they do not need to be within range of the base station positioned in their home.

The GPS tags can be used by the court to:

• Set exclusion zones (such as a shopping centre popular with prolific shoplifters or around a football stadium on match day);
• Monitor attendance at a particular activity or appointment (such as their job during working hours or substance misuse appointments if drugs or alcohol are relevant factors in their offending);
• Monitor a defendant's whereabouts ("trail or monitoring"). This data can be requested retrospectively from EMS for these cases. This is not an option for bail, only for those on community or suspended sentence orders;
• Support an existing electronic curfew where other location conditions or requirements are imposed (but not replacing existing stand-alone curfew monitoring).

EMS will attend the defendant's residence on the evening GPS location monitoring is ordered by the court. They will fit the GPS tag to the defendant's ankle and install a base station. Unlike the existing RF tags, the GPS tags need to be kept charged in order to work. To that end, every defendant will be provided with both a wall charger and portable charger unit. They will be instructed to charge the GPS tag for at least an hour each day.

The GPS tags are bulkier than the RF tags, but are just as durable and waterproof. The GPS tags will not be damaged by normal exercise, bathing or swimming.

Should the defendant breach the location requirements of their order, a message will be transmitted to EMS and enforcement action can be initiated. The system can be programmed to recognise transport corridors, which means that sentencers can allow the defendant passage through an exclusion zone in certain circumstances - e.g. if they are travelling on public transport to go directly to work, home or a probation appointment.

The introduction of these new GPS tags is welcome news as it increases the likelihood that those breaching their bail conditions or court orders will be detected and brought to book. Some cynics have labelled the system a cheaper alternative to custody, but that remains to be seen.