Recent high-profile cases of tagged offenders have received significant media attention. But the reality is that tagging can be an effective option both for sentencing and as a condition of bail. When I gave evidence to the home affairs select committee last month, I stressed the need for courts to consider tagging on bail as an alternative to remanding in custody.

Time spent in remand should, of course, be minimised, particularly for those who subsequently receive short custodial sentences. But real rehabilitation is extremely difficult if a significant portion of the sentence is served pre-trial.


Tagging on bail has important potential benefits as there is also a greater chance of the offender maintaining links with family, employment and community, which are so vital in reducing re-offending patterns.


There is a need for everyone involved in dealing with offenders to understand the opportunities presented by tagging, not just the sentencers.


There may have been some uncertainty as to whether curfew requirements supported by an electronic tag could be imposed as a condition of bail on adult defendants. Recent business information from the Courts Service has made clear the view, shared by the Home Office, that tagging can be imposed as a condition of bail under existing legislation.


In addition, the costs of tagging on bail have now been significantly reduced. The National Offender Management Service has advised that resources are now available for greater use of tagging on bail in place of remand in custody, should courts choose to use this option.


It should be more widely recognised that tagging on bail is, in some cases, a practical and potentially beneficial alternative to remanding in custody.


Baroness Patricia Scotland, Minister of State for Criminal Justice and Offender Management, the Home Office, London