Pilot evaluation of the electronic monitoring scheme in the UK
The Journal of Forensic Practice
ISSN: 2050-8794
Article publication date: 26 April 2023
Issue publication date: 11 July 2023
Abstract
Purpose
Following research into the application of Electronic Monitoring (EM), Criminal Justice Order (2016) no. 954 was published, which introduced EM for offenders leaving custody in England and Wales (Ministry of Justice, 2016). EM was later extended to include those subjected to release on temporary licence (ROTL). The purpose of this study is to be the first, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, to evaluate a pilot project using EM during the ROTL process. The outcome allowed for recommendations to be made regarding the continued use of EM within the open prison estate.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a qualitative research project involving semi-structured interviews with staff and residents. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis which resulted in exploration of 4 themes and 11 sub-themes and recommendations for future research/practice.
Findings
Results demonstrated that both staff and residents evaluated the use of EM as helpful with regard to evidencing compliance with ROTL conditions. In addition, staff also found it helpful for providing additional reassurance to victims and providing evidence for ROTL breaches.
Practical implications
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this was the first qualitative evaluation of EM relating to the ROTL process. The evaluation improves understanding of the value of EM for policymakers and the Ministry of Justice, especially in terms of the ROTL process. The recommendations made in this paper evidence the value of EM use in the future.
Originality/value
This evaluation supports continued use of EM and its integration into policy and procedures for residents subject to temporary licence. This paper concluded that consistent and reliable use of EM may contribute to victim reassurance and reduce recidivism of residents during ROTL, subsequently increasing the public’s perception of safety.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge all staff members, past and present, who have worked within and represented Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service. The organisation’s aim to prevent victims by changing lives would be unattainable without the dedication, skills and knowledge of the staff behind the gates and within our communities. Although often considered the forgotten public service, it is certainly one of the most necessary.
The data has not been registered given the restricted aspect of the data controlled by HMPPS. This data has neither appeared in any other publications nor has it been submitted to any other journal for consideration. This research neither attracts funding nor was it funded by any organisation. It is important to note that the research was commissioned by the Ministry of Justice.
Citation
Churchman, J.W., Baron, S., Carr, M. and Orr, D. (2023), "Pilot evaluation of the electronic monitoring scheme in the UK", The Journal of Forensic Practice, Vol. 25 No. 3, pp. 201-212. https://doi.org/10.1108/JFP-08-2022-0042
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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