Question reference: S5W-33709
- Asked by: Rhoda Grant, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 3 December 2020
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Current status: Answered by Humza Yousaf on 14 December 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government how many electronic tagging orders have been issued (a) during 2020 to date and (b) from 23 March 2020 to date.
Answer
Electronic monitoring provides an important function in monitoring those at various points in the justice system, including for those on release from prison (for HDC or as part of a parole licence), or those on a community order (e.g. Restriction of Liberty Order).
The impact of COVID-19 has been felt across all services within the justice system including within courts and prisons. The number of electronically monitored orders made during this period reflects this.
In response to the specific questions:
(a) the number of all electronically monitored orders (in practice court orders and licences) made between 1 January 2020 and 3 December 2020 is 3569.
A breakdown of the total orders received is 3160 court orders, 390 release from prison (24 of which were released to Scotland from a prison in England or Wales). Additionally 19 orders were imposed by the Children’s Hearing panel.
(b) the number of orders made between 23 March 2020 and 3 December 2020 is 2389.
A breakdown of the total orders received is 2047 court orders, 326 release from prison (18 of which were released to Scotland from a prison in England or Wales). Additionally 16 orders were imposed by the Children’s Hearing panel.