Offenders leaving prison from today, 1 October 2026, will be monitored under new supervision measures, according to the government. These new rules include what are described as world-first restriction zones, which will tightly control the movements of high-risk sexual and violent offenders, confining many to areas just a few miles wide.
The government is also rolling out an expansion of electronic monitoring, with a new presumption that offenders will be electronically tagged when they leave prison. New technology is expected to provide probation staff with near-live access to tagging data, aiming to help them spot breaches quickly.
Further measures allow for offenders to be banned from pubs, clubs, and public events such as football matches. Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Alex Norris, stated that these tools are being introduced to control prison leavers and protect the public.
Victim support services are also being strengthened, with a new national helpline operated by Victim Support launching today. Local therapeutic support and victim advocacy will also be enhanced with an £18.9 million cash injection.