Serious sexual and violent offenders could be confined to areas just a few miles wide after being released from October, the Justice Secretary has revealed.
New restriction zones announced
The "restriction zones" will reduce the possibility of unwanted contact between criminals and their victims, ministers hope. The Government first announced proposals for the scheme last year and it goes beyond the current practice of imposing "exclusion" areas, which ban offenders from specific locations such as homes or places of work.
Probation officers will be able to limit where offenders who have been released from prison can go for as long as it is deemed necessary and those who breach the boundaries could be recalled to jail.
GPS technology to monitor movements
Justice Secretary Alex Norris said the new programme would use GPS technology monitored so "those who step outside the boundaries can be quickly identified and face being sent back to prison". He added: "I’m determined that no victim should have to look over their shoulder, change their routine, or live in fear of crossing paths with the person who harmed them.
"That’s why we’re introducing tough new restrictions on sexual and violent offenders, confining them to areas just a few miles wide and using GPS technology to monitor their movements.
"Victims will have a say in setting these boundaries, giving them greater freedom, peace of mind and the confidence to get on with their lives.
"It’s simple: offenders should carry the consequences of their crimes, not their victims."
Political reaction and early release review
The Conservatives argued if the Labour government wanted to protect victims it should bring forward emergency legislation that would stop the early release of thousands of criminals due to prison overcrowding.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham is due to present the outcome of his review into the early prisoner release scheme when Parliament returns from summer recess on September 1.
Labour’s early release scheme started in September 2024 with the aim of easing overcrowding in jails and Mr Burnham paused plans for further releases initially due to come in September and pushed them back to October.
He has already changed the scheme’s eligibility to exclude those convicted of rape, serious child sex offences and grooming.
