Serious sexual and violent offenders released from prison in the UK will be confined to areas just a few miles wide under a restriction zone scheme launching in October, Justice Secretary Alex Norris announced.
Probation officers will use GPS-based electronic tags to track offenders' movements in real time around the clock, with boundaries set for as long as deemed necessary. Offenders will receive push notifications warning them to turn back if they approach exclusion zone limits, and those who breach conditions face recall to prison. Victims will have a say in setting boundaries to reduce the chance of unexpected encounters.
The Ministry of Justice said it is investing £700 million in probation services and recruiting 1,300 new officers. Prime Minister Andy Burnham is due to present findings from his review of the early prisoner release scheme when Parliament returns on September 1, having already blocked early release for rapists and child groomers.