MoJ Selects New Offender Tagging Suppliers

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has awarded four new suppliers with a contract to provide it with satellite tagging technology to track offenders in the community.

Steatite, Capita, Airbus Defence and Space and Telefonica are the chosen firms who will each bring different services required to the table.

Business process outsourcer Capita is responsible for the overall management of the project, while computing platforms provider Steatite has been charged with developing and manufacturing the high-tech GPS tagging system equipment.

Defence technology company Airbus Defence and Space aims to deliver satellite-mapping while communications tech firm Telefonica is expected to supply the network.

“This technology will allow us to keep a much closer watch on the most high-risk and persistent offenders who cause so much harm in our communities,” claimed Justice Secretary Chris Grayling.

“Monitoring the movements of dangerous and repeat offenders will be vital in cutting crime, creating a safer society with fewer victims and ultimately offering greater protection and reassurance to the public,” Grayling added.

“Swifter And More Cost-Effective Justice”

The government claims that the new equipment will be beneficial by either proving a suspect has been at the scene of a crime or immediately eliminating them from enquiries.

The MoJ claims this will ultimately lead to swifter justice and the saving of police time and money.

Prisoners who are given temporary release from prison will be fitted with the new GPS tags, as well as released repeat offenders.

The contract for the new tagging system was divided into four lots with the intention of encouraging innovation, maximum flexibility and best value for taxpayers.

The operation is expected to be fully established in the second and third years of the deal, delivering savings of £20m annually in comparison with the last contract held by G4S and Serco.

The MoJ claims it now has much greater oversight of costs and charging, with direct access to supplier systems which it says will increase transparency.

The new tags are expected to be introduced by the end of 2014.

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