More than 400 people across Devon and Cornwall are being tracked with electronic monitoring tags, according to the latest figures. At the end of June, 420 people in the two counties were wearing the devices.
Tagging usually involves a device worn around the ankle. The UK justice system uses it to remotely track, record and monitor individuals. It mainly supports probation services, courts, prisons, police and the Home Office by ensuring people comply with legal restrictions while living in the community rather than serving time in prison.
The tags can enforce curfews and monitor locations. Some devices test the wearer's sweat to check they are complying with alcohol bans. The equipment communicates with either a home-installed wireless base unit or global satellites. If someone tampers with the equipment or breaks the rules, they can be sent back to court or prison.
Tags can be placed on defendants awaiting trial as a condition of remaining at liberty. Judges can also impose them as part of a community or suspended sentence order instead of jail time. They can be applied after release from prison under a curfew or as a condition of parole, and the Home Office uses them to keep track of people navigating immigration cases.
In June, Devon and Cornwall had 100 people tagged on court bail, 90 as part of a sentence from the courts, 190 after release from prison and 40 for immigration cases.
The Metropolitan Police in London had the highest number of people tagged, with 5,410, followed by the West Midlands with 2,250. The lowest number among English police forces was in North Yorkshire, with just 150.
The information was released after a question was asked in Parliament.
GPS Tags Track Over 400 in Devon and Cornwall