Police to reduce enforcement of minor tag breaches as early-release pressures mount
The Metropolitan Police is set to reduce enforcement of offenders who break their tag conditions under a new pilot scheme running until the spring. The decision comes alongside resourcing pressures, and follows the government's early prisoner release system which began this year. Under the pilot scheme, officers will not act on any breaches of police curfews or tag batteries of under an hour, unless the offender is considered to pose a particular risk to the public.
Left out here: Leaves out what changes the picture
LBC links the pilot to early release in its headline and in S2 and S6, but never says who the pilot covers. Sky News reported that the government says it applies to offenders, or alleged offenders awaiting trial, bailed by the courts. Sky also reported that early-release prisoners on tags are managed by probation, and that the Met says the change is about the risk of a breach, not the type of offender. Without this, a reader believes released prisoners' breaches will now go unpoliced.
How we know
- Sky News reported“The government says this pilot applies to offenders, or alleged offenders awaiting trial, that have been bailed by the courts. Early prisoner release offenders who wear tags are managed by probation, who notify the police if there are breaches.”Police to reduce enforcement of minor tag breaches (opens in a new tab)
- Sky News reported“the Met say that these changes are about assessing the risk of a breach, rather than determining what type of offender they are”Police to reduce enforcement of minor tag breaches (opens in a new tab)
Although the Metropolitan police will only progress to potential arrest where safeguarding concerns are high, it is clear that all breach notifications are to be reviewed by officers. Read more: More than 400,000 march on France as tear gas and water cannons used to deter crowds - but minister insists outcome was 'positive' Read more: Britain must be ready for war within 1,000 days, Defence Secretary warns High-risk offenders like domestic abusers will be prioritised.
It comes as Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley says he is "worried" about the pressure caused by the government's early release scheme. He stressed that his officers are policing "over 100 tag breaches a day", with police arresting two or three early release prisoners per week who are being recalled over further offending. Under the new pilot scheme, it is hoped officers will be able to better manage higher risk enforcement or persistent offending, will the expectation it will reduce breaches requiring police action by over 15%.
Left out here: One side gets the space
LBC gives Rowley's worry about the early release scheme but none of the government's response, reported by Sky News the evening before. The government said that failing to act would have forced police to halt arrests, and that it was rolling out tougher licence controls.
How we know
- Sky News reported“The government said that after inheriting a prison system "on the brink of collapse", failing to act would have forced police "to halt arrests, putting communities at untold risk".”Police to reduce enforcement of minor tag breaches, Sky News understands (opens in a new tab)