Electronic tags (2024)

Electronic monitoring (known as ‘tagging’) is used in England and Wales to monitor curfews and conditions of a court or prison order.

If you’re given a tag, it will usually be attached to your ankle. A monitoring unit or wireless base station will also be installed in a place stated in your court or prison order (usually your home).

If you breach your conditions, you could be taken back to court or to prison. This includes if you damage or tamper with your tag, monitoring unit or wireless base station.

Types of tag

There are 3 types of electronic tag:

  • curfew tags
  • location tags
  • alcohol tags

Which tag you get is decided by the court, prison governor or parole board.

If you have a curfew tag

A curfew tag checks if you’re where you’re meant to be during your curfew hours, for example your home. It will send an alert to a monitoring centre if you’re not.

If you have a location tag

A location tag records data about your movements at all times. It checks if you’re:

  • going to any areas you’ve been told not to go to by the court or prison
  • going to appointments or other programmes that are part of your conditions
  • sticking to your curfew

The police, your probation practitioner or the Electronic Monitoring Service (EMS) can use this information to:

  • support your good behaviour
  • raise any concerns about where you’ve been going

You must charge your location tag for at least one hour every day.

If your tag runs out of battery, this is a potential breach and you could be returned to court or prison.

If you have an alcohol tag

An alcohol tag measures the level of alcohol in your sweat every 30 minutes. If you drink alcohol, it will be recorded by the tag.

You must be within 10 metres of your wireless base station at a certain time every day to send over the data. You’ll be told what time this is when you get your tag.

You must:

  • keep the tag in direct contact with your skin at all times
  • not submerge the tag in water

If you have any problems or questions about your electronic tag, contact EMS.

For curfew and location tags, call the EMS Curfew and Location Monitoring team for free by phone or using your monitoring unit.

EMS Curfew and Location Monitoring
Telephone: 0800 137 291
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

For alcohol tags, call the EMS Alcohol Monitoring team for free.

EMS Alcohol Monitoring
Telephone: 08081 780 058
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Electronic tags (2024)

FAQs

What are electronic tags used for? ›

Electronic tagging is a form of surveillance that uses an electronic device affixed to a person. In some jurisdictions, an electronic tag fitted above the ankle is used for people as part of their bail or probation conditions.

Can electronic tags be tracked? ›

The location histories of known offenders have been used to investigate crimes; the police can search for any offenders who were near the scene. The real-time location monitoring is then used by police to find and arrest the tag wearer.

How much does an active RFID tag cost? ›

The price of active RFID tags can range from $20 to $50 or more per tag, depending on features and capabilities.

Can electronic tags be removed? ›

The correct way to remove an electronic tag and the process for returning the tag to the appropriate contractor is as follows. Remove the tag from the detained individual's ankle by making a single cut across the thin strap at the mid-point, so that the ends are still attached to the tag itself.

What are the disadvantages of electronic tagging? ›

On the other hand, wearing a tag can cause discomfort or feelings of shame, and there are risks around increased family tensions, anti-social behaviour, and use of alcohol/drugs. There is also a risk of exacerbating existing inequalities.

What are the rules when you have an ankle monitor? ›

I will wear the ankle bracelet at all times and will not tamper with or remove it for any reason. I will charge the ankle bracelet twice per day for a minimum of I hour each time. I will return the device in working condition once I have completed the designated time.

Can RFID tags track you? ›

Aside from keeping track of inventory, RFID technology also helps organizations identify people and monitor their location. They can detect people who stray away from their assigned locations and help prevent theft, shoplifting, or other problems.

Are RFID tags anti theft? ›

RFID technology can be used to prevent theft in a retail environment. These systems use plastic security tags that clip a radio frequency identification chip directly onto an item. Then, when the item is passed near a detector, it triggers an alarm and alerts store staff.

Do RFID tags have trackers? ›

Yes, RFID tags can be tracked. They can be tracked automatically using active RFID tags or manually using passive RFID tags. To be tracked RFID tags provide data related to where they have been and where they currently are.

Can you fly with an electronic tag? ›

The electronic bag tag is the paperless, electronic alternative to the paper luggage label you receive at the airport check-in desk. As soon as the electronic bag tag is updated, it works exactly the same as a paper label.

Why is my tag vibrating? ›

The tracker vibrates when being connected to, and disconnected from, the charger. The tracker will also vibrate when the tracker's battery levels are low indicating that you need to immediately charge your tracker.

Why would someone get an ankle monitor? ›

However, some common situations where an ankle monitor may be used include: Serious Crimes: For more serious offenses like murder, sexual assault, or major drug offenses, courts often require the defendant to wear an ankle monitor as a condition of bail or parole.

What does it mean to be electronically tagged? ›

uncountable noun. Electronic tagging is a system in which a criminal or suspected criminal has an electronic device attached to them which enables the police to know if they leave a particular area.

Why would you get a tag? ›

keeping out of any exclusion ('no-go' areas): the tag will alert if you enter any areas you have been told not to go to by the court or prison. monitoring centre will know whether you are sticking to your curfew times and will inform your Responsible Officer if you are not.

What are electronic monitoring devices for prisoners? ›

Electronic monitoring is a form of digital incarceration, often in the form of a wrist bracelet or ankle “shackle” that can monitor a subject's location, and sometimes also their blood alcohol level or breath.

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