Over 200 Stalking Offenders in London to Get GPS Tags in Groundbreaking New Scheme
A new pilot scheme in London will fit over 200 stalking offenders with GPS tags to help reduce re-offending and enhance victim safety through monitoring.
London, UK, GPS Tags, Stalking Offenders, Sadiq Khan, Victim Support
London: More than 200 stalking offenders are set to be fitted with GPS tags when they leave prison. This new pilot scheme, introduced by Sadiq Khan, aims to cut down on re-offending.
The program will run until March 2026 and was created after discussions with victims and survivor groups. It will track those who have served time for stalking, ensuring they follow strict rules.
City Hall mentioned that this initiative will work alongside the Ministry of Justice’s GPS program. For the first time, even those on community sentences will be monitored, covering all types of stalking behavior.
Khan emphasized that stalking is a terrible crime, especially affecting young women. He believes this GPS tagging pilot will help prevent reoffending and protect victims.
The £5.7 million program has shown promising results, with GPS tracking helping to deter offenders and quickly identify those who break their conditions.
Claire Waxman, London’s independent victims’ commissioner, praised the project, saying it will help police and probation services keep a closer eye on stalkers, adding an extra layer of safety for victims.
She pointed out that her London Stalking Review has shown the need for more action against stalking, and she’ll keep working with authorities to make it a priority.
Recent data from a similar tagging program showed that 67% of tagged individuals completed their monitoring period successfully, while a third were recalled to prison, thanks to GPS tracking.
Since 2019, the mayor’s office has tagged 707 high-risk individuals in a domestic abuse program, leading to better risk management and protection for victims.
This announcement coincides with the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, highlighting the importance of addressing these issues.
James Timpson, the Minister for Prisons, noted that tagging is vital for public safety. This investment will help the Probation Service keep a closer watch on stalkers.
Khan’s office is also putting in £50,000 to improve the management of stalking cases and enhance information sharing among partners like the Met Police and NHS.