Electronic monitoring to be investigated by Lords committee

The House of Lords Justice and Home Affairs Committee is launching a short investigation into the use of Electronic Monitoring (EM, commonly known as tagging) in England and Wales.   

The Committee will focus on the Electronic Monitoring strategy, looking into issues such as the purpose and ethical considerations of Electronic Monitoring. It will also delve into questions around procurement and delivery. 

On Tuesday 2 September 2025 the committee will hold its first two evidence sessions as part of the inquiry, which can be followed live on Parliament TV. 

Giving evidence at 10:30am will be: 

• The Rt Hon Alex Chalk KC, Barrister-at-Law and former Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice  

• Lord Hogan-Howe QPM, former Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis 

Questions the committee is likely to ask include: 

• What is the purpose of EM? 

• Does EM help to reduce reoffending? If not, why are we using it?  

• Is there support for extended use of EM or does the public want to see people serve sentences in prison?  

• In light of the Independent Sentencing Review, is the Probation Service and are the police ready to manage an increased number of people subject to EM? 

• What is the assessment of private sector involvement in EM? Is it appropriate?  

• Do private sector companies work well with Police/Probation/Prisons?  

Giving evidence at c.11:15am will be: 

• Helen Schofield, Chief Executive, The Probation Institute 

• Richard Garside, Director, Centre for Crime and Justice Studies 

Questions the committee is likely to ask include: 

• How does England and Wales' use of EM compare internationally?  

• What considerations are made with regards to individual differences when using EM?  

• In light of the Independent Sentencing Review, is the Probation Service ready to manage an increased number of people subject to EM? 

• The EM strategy was introduced in 2022 and updated in 2023. Is it working?