Electronic monitoring of 12-16 year olds

Young people aged between 12-16 years can now be made subject to electronic monitoring, often known as ‘tagging’, either as part of Bail, as a Court Order or for the period of early release from custody. This letter is to inform you of this change, the criteria that need to be met and the implications for schools. Numbers of young people in mainstream schools to whom ‘tagging’ will apply are likely to be small but recent changes in legislation do not allow accurate predictions to be made.

What is Electronic Monitoring?

Electronic monitoring is a means of ensuring as far as possible that a young person complies with any conditions imposed by the court. It can be used as a sentence in itself and also provides courts with a further option for dealing with those who repeatedly offend on bail.

How will it happen?

In each case the Youth Offending Team (YOT) must advise the court whether electronic monitoring is considered suitable although it will be for the court to make the final decision in each case.

The YOT is responsible for informing schools of young people subject to electronic monitoring. If a child in your school is being assessed for ‘tagging’, Norfolk YOT will be in contact to ascertain your view and the arrangements that can be put in place. These are likely to include the installation of the monitoring equipment so the monitor (Premier Monitoring Services) can know the young person is complying with the court’s expectations. Close and open communication between the school and Norfolk YOT staff will be an important factor throughout the period of the assessment and the ‘tagging’.

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What happens if the young person is excluded from school during the monitoring period?

If the young person is required to leave the school premises for any reason the YOT office must be informed and the child will be returned to court to assess what has happened and if a variation in conditions needs to be applied for.

Other circumstances in which the young person is not in school

If the young person is not in school for any reason which is authorised or approved by the school, then the YOT office must be informed.

If this affects you and your school please be assured that the local YOT will provide you with all the details you need and communicate at all stages.

If you want to discuss this further please contact Sue Massey Head of Youth Justice Services, 45 Netherwood Green, Norwich NR1 1JF 01603 223617.

Yours sincerely

Director of Education