Metropolitan Police to scale back enforcement of electronic tag breaches

The Metropolitan Police is launching a pilot program to reduce arrests resulting from minor electronic monitoring breaches. Under this scheme, which runs until spring, officers will not respond to curfew violations or battery depletion lasting less than one hour, unless the individual is deemed a specific risk to public safety.

The decision aims to alleviate resource pressures caused by the criminal justice system. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson noted that deploying officers for brief infractions, such as an offender stepping out for a cigarette or returning 15 minutes late from a curfew, is not an efficient use of resources.

Priority will be given to high-risk offenders, including domestic abusers and those whose conditions are designed to protect specific victims. While the police will still review breach notifications, arrests will be reserved for cases involving significant safety or safeguarding concerns. The program applies to individuals on court bail, whereas those released on parole remain under the supervision of the probation service.