A record number of offenders will be forced to stay sober this
Christmas as part of the government's Plan for Change, keeping
streets safe and cutting alcohol-fuelled crime.
Statistics published today (23 December) show around 3,800
offenders either released from prison or serving a community
sentence will wear an alcohol tag over Christmas and New Year.
The tags work around the clock and quickly detect if an offender
has been drinking by analysing their sweat, meaning festive
favourites such as mulled wine and prosecco will be strictly off
the menu.
If an offender dares to have a drink, an alert is sent to their
probation officer who can take action to punish them, such as an
order to return to court or even prison.
Minister for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, , said:
The sad reality is alcohol-fuelled crime such as domestic abuse
and public disorder spikes at Christmas and has a devastating
impact in our homes and town centres.
Technology like this is playing a key role in the government's
mission to take back our streets by monitoring offenders and
cutting crime.
The tags are accurate enough to distinguish between foods that
contain low-levels of alcohol – such as mince pies or Christmas
pudding – and boozier drinks that could lead to offenders getting
drunk.
The technology is playing a significant role in the government's
mission to take back our streets from alcohol-fuelled harm, which
costs the taxpayer billions of pounds each year.
Offenders who are banned from consuming alcohol by the courts
have remained sober for 97% of the days they have been tagged
since the technology was first rolled out in 2020.
They monitor alcohol bans for offenders on community sentences
handed down by judges or magistrates and can also be used as a
licence condition for prison leavers. Roughly 20% of those
supervised by probation are classified as having a drinking
problem.
These statistics come as the government is conducting a
landmark review of sentencing,
which will further explore the range of tougher punishments that
can be served outside of prison. This will explore the technology
we can use to limit the liberties of offenders in the community
and support the administration of sentences outside of prison.
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