13
Accepted
We asked why government was not exploring mobile phone GPS technology or identity scanning software,...
Conclusion
We asked why government was not exploring mobile phone GPS technology or identity scanning software, such as fingerprint scanning used by banks. HMPPS explained that the challenge of using mobile phones in tagging is that they would not be solely used for this purpose, and that phones could be linked to servers offshore with potential data security implications. However, HMPPS has harnessed data from GPS location data in its acquisitive crime pilot which covers a cohort of around 650 offenders convicted for theft, burglary or robbery offences. The pilot uses data on alleged crimes from police and overlays location data to produce matches where offenders have been in a defined proximity. HMPPS told us that while the offenders’ probation officers can access data in real-time, the challenge was to match this capability for the rest of the GPS caseload. It told us that it had received a large number of requests from police for direct access to its system. HMPPS believed it could see operational benefits for the police if it provided direct access but it had so far not done so due to data protection considerations which it told us it wanted to step through carefully.22 19 Qq 48, 52; C&AG’s report, para 2.22 20 C&AG’s report, para 7 21 C&AG’s report, para 2.20. Figure 8 22 Qq 47, 80; C&AG’s report, Figure 15 12 Transforming electronic monitoring services 2 The evidence base for tagging Understanding the impact of tagging
Government Response Summary
The government agrees and commits to improving the timeliness of GPS data responses for probation practitioners and completing a review of police information request processes by March 2023, while continuing to keep police requirements under review.
Government Response
Accepted
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
3.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: March 2023 3.2 The agency is working with existing EM service providers to improve the timeliness of responses to requests from probation practitioners for GPS location monitoring data where it is not available through the Acquisitive Crime offender management portal. This work will complete by March 2023. 3.3 With regards to real-time access, the police have advised that live access to location monitoring data is not a current priority; and the agency’s focus has been on ensuring that there is a satisfactory and efficient process to provide the police and other law enforcement agencies with location and other electronic monitoring data where it is proportionate, necessary and supports law enforcement activities. Further review of the process by which police officers make requests for information from the EM supplier will complete by March 2023. 3.4 The agency will continue to keep police requirements under review and should the police’s view change we would consider whether and how changes to the service can be made.
Source
Committee
Public Accounts Committee
Inquiry
Electronic Monitoring programme
Report
Twenty-First Report: Transforming electronic monitoring services
21 Oct 2022
HC 34
Addressee Bodies
HM Treasury
Timeline
Recommendation age
3.8 yrs
Report published
21 Oct 2022