Offenders sentenced to determinate sentences of imprisonment for more than three months but less than four years may be entitled to release on Home Detention Curfew. This is an initiative that allows an offender to be released from custody up to 120 days early as long as they abide by strict conditions on licence. It was designed to allow an offender to get used to being back in the community and thus allow for an easier transition from prison to home life. Home Detention Curfew is as it sounds; the offender is allowed to go home but must ensure that they are inside the house for specified periods (usually during the night.) The requirements of Home Detention Curfew are that the offender must stay within the four walls of the property during the hours of the curfew, which means that it is not acceptable to go into the garden (e.g. to smoke, or to join in a barbeque).
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How Does an Offender get Home Detention Curfew?
Not all prisoners are eligible for home detention curfew. Some will be excluded by virtue of the nature of their offence, in which case they may be classed as ‘presumed unsuitable’ (and will not get HDC unless there are exceptional circumstances and the governor agrees to release on HDC) and others will not be eligible because their sentences are either too long or too short. If not automatically excluded from the home detention curfew scheme, prisoners are assessed before their HDC date, i.e. the date upon which they would get HDC if they were assessed as suitable for it.
Offenders who are not excluded from the scheme will be assessed by the probation service to find out whether they can be released on HDC. This includes passing a ‘risk assessment’ and ensuring that a home circumstances check is carried out satisfactorily (the place where the offender will live while on HDC.)
If an offender is refused HDC, they can appeal the decision by submitting a complaint form to the Governor, setting out the reasons why they think the decision is wrong.

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If an offender is released on home detention curfew, they will need to agree in writing to the licence conditions. These are usually to stay within an agreed address between 7am and 7pm every day. The property to which they are ‘tagged’ can either be their home address, a hostel or another approved premises.
The curfew is enforced by way of an electronic monitoring device that is installed at the offender’s pre-approved address. The offender is monitored by way of a ‘tag’ around their ankle.
Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.
What Happens if an Offender is Recalled?
If an offender does not comply with their curfew, the monitoring system will alert the contracting company that provides the tagging system and the offender may be recalled to prison. If this happens, they may not be re-released until their automatic release date (usually at the half-way point during their sentence.) If an offender is recalled to prison for breaching their tag due to circumstances that were not within their control (e.g. not being able to remain at the curfew address anymore) they may be able to apply for a further review of HDC once an alternative address is found (and subject to that address being deemed suitable.)
Thank you Georgia
Would they put him into a hostel and find him accommodation till his end date or wud he get recalled back till his end date
My bf is currently on tag. But hasn’t been to prison yet he’s been on take for couple months because he’s been probably found guilty of something but has a trail in December. I’m confused. Is he doing he’s time on tag now or?
Is it true that the tagging time has been increased to 6 months from 4.5 months?
has anyone arranged a late night out on a tag ? I want to take him to a music concert , his age and the schedule and native country of the artists involved mean that this is a once only possibily....has anyone ever done this?
Hi Keira.
Going on recent experience he should do between 10 / 11 months inside providing hes a good boy , he'll get his tag first day of release after clocking on with probation, he should apply for the curfew as soon as he gets settled inside to give them time to process the application . and make a home visit before his release to make sure the address is suitable ( doesnt always happen )
i hope the time goes quick
Apparently they’re giving HDC (tag) to prisoners in category D prisons is this true ?
My partner is serving 4 years by wasn’t eligible for the hdc but is now in a D Cat.
thanks
My bf was meant to get his tag by 14dec but it has been refused. Does that mean he wil b out on his actual realease date
He is foreign national
Can he get D cat ?
Is he eligible for D car or Can he get HDC
His behaviour is good he is low risk for everything
He is waiting for deportation lette
Is he eligible for hdc
Me my son we both r British
Thanks
Thanks
Is someone sentenced to a six year sentence eligible for HDC ?? Or to go to a parole board and ask for HDC? If first time in prison no other convictions and not for a violent crime. Also done all course available while inside currently cat d prisoner ? Any help appreciated
He's eligible to come home on HDC on the 12th January but his application is being reviewed on Wednesday this week. What's the chance of him coming home earlier than the 12th of January please
My partner is due for release feb 2017, he has always compiled with tag conditions etc. Our only concern is the backlog of paper work. Is it worth paying a solictor? Can they speed up the process and how long does it take to be told if its been approved or not?
And the probation officer hasn't been in contact with me so what shall I do ?
He's now been told that he may not be able to come home to me and the kids due to the police being called to our home last year this was because we had a argument ( which everyone does at some point) he wanted told talk which I didn't as 1 it was 3 am, 2 I had 5 kids asleep plus he was under the influence of drink and drugs, I just wanted him to leave me alone, the police was called they didn't arrest him in fact they didn't tell him to leave they let him sleep in his bothers car right outside on our drive on my land I had the keys to the car I may add. But they've told him now as this happened he probably won't be allowed back due to it be domestic violence there was none and never has been. He does have mental health issues, he's done everything he should in prison all the courses etc they said.so why are they telling him this. It's not fair on my children as they don't deserve this and there expecting him home not long after Xmas?
Is the time of this meeting to discuss tag or to discuss his later release date?
How soon would someone usually know they are getting released on tag?
Thanks
Thanks
can you please explain how prisoner know if he is eligible for HDC scheme? Does he/she needs to apply?
How is the eligibility date calculated?
Thank you very much
Friend was put on tag for an offence which was suspected of touching a weapon. They have been on tag for almost 6 months now. Forensics are back and no prints, and mixed DNA therefor can not determine when person touched the weapon in question so the prosecution can not use this in evidence.
Can they apply to get this removed? If so what is the process as still has to wait another 2 months before court appearance. Thanks
Thank you
i have been on a doorstep curfew for the whole time and have had police knocking every night to make sure im there..
so i told my solicitor and he managed to get me put on tag until my court date just to stop the knocking..
but i would quite like to have my life back, socialise ect
surely i must have some rights? is there anything i can do?
thanks
My husbands hdc eligibility date is 5th March. Waiting for the governor so confirm my Husbands release on the 5th. Will it take more than 5 working days for it to be approved? Shall I expect my husband to come home this Saturday? I'm so anxious
My boyfrined is in prison and he filled in the forms for the tag, social work has been out to his mum address for the home visit, and they said that if he gets it he will be out for the 3rd of march, but it just the design of The Governor wee are waiting on now, could you tell me how long that takes?
Thank you
We thought he may get early release with tag as first time in prison.
He got in trouble years ago and breached a tag but that was when he was under 18.
Will that go against him now his an adult?
He has full time job waiting for him a lovely home with 2 children waiting for him
:/
Thanks
Trying to digest the new rules we assume as his sentence over 4 years he is not eligible for HDC but have also read that you are only statutorily excluded from consideration for HDC if your sentence is governed by the Criminal Justice Act 2003 (CJA 2003) and any of the provisions of section 246(4) apply if your sentence is longer than 4 years and with that in mind, he can appeal to the governor for HDC.
During 2015 my father also suffered a fall which resulted in him breaking his heels and was on therapy for this prior to being jailed. Without this therapy there is a high chance he will be disabled when released?
Is there still the option to apply for HDC with the new rules which have come into place?
Thanks
In August 2012 I was sentenced to 12 months custody, half of which would be served on probation. I had not been in trouble for a number of years so I was unfamiliar with the concept of HDC when it was suggested to me a few days after I arrived at Bedford prison.
Several days after applying I was informed that I had been refused for HDC due to a 'breach' of a probation order back in 1997. I was extremely disappointed as it would mean missing Christmas (release date 23 January 2013)
A few months passed by which time I had moved to a Catagory 'C' prison. I phoned my wife who informed me that a location probation officer had phoned to confirm that I was being assessed for HDC. Of course in view of what I had been initially told his came as quite a surprise.
Weeks passed, and I heard nothing. I put the whole exercise down to a communication cock up and the probation call was obviously made in some kind of error.
By now it was early December and I was focusing entirely on my release date in January. One morning while I was attending an education class I was called to see one of the governor. As I waited outside another inmate informed me that we were there for a 'HDC' interview. I was still convinced that it was all some kind of administrative error, and I would be told that I was not eligible for early release.
I was greeted by a governor and the prison probation officer. They made reference to my breach back in the 90's, but after a brief chat between themselves they informed me that I would be going home within 7 days on HDC! My daughter was having her first Birthday on 23 December, so not only would I be with her on that date, but also Christmas and New Year.
The bottom line is, ultimately the final decision on HDC is at the governor's discretion. Prisons are over crowded and under funded. They want you out of the door as soon as possible. Obviously your offense is a factor (I was in for fraud) and how long you were sentenced for.
All I can suggest is you get your head down and be a model prisoner. Be polite, punctual and stay away from any form of trouble or conflict.
Thanx Laurie
He only got a 6 month sentence and his first and last in prison he as done everything he was asked to do and his personal officer in there told him to appeal which he as, but what happens now and how long does it take for them to decide he only as 4 weeks left to do please help
One occasion and he has been a purportraiter once with one partner nothing linked to me what so ever. Would we have grounds to appeal?
nt h
I have recently been put on a curfew tag and in the court room i mentioned that i had a prior arrangement booked with my girlfriend of 4 years that we was going away on the weekend and that it was prebook and payed for they allowed for this date to be curfew free.
Once i got out and spoke to my girlfriend she told me that she had a suprise weekend planned for us the following week after the one they had already given me permission to have off. I am wondering how it is possible for me to get the tags curfew removed on a further date.
My girlfriend has spent alot of money and shouldnt be punished for my stupidity and i feel i have been over punished by the justice system already for a crime that did not deserve as much as i have been given.
Is this a normal thing to happen? He's seen a couple of people get out on HDC and both where we'll over their tag date but he'd assumed it was because they hadn't started the ball rolling with outside probation.
Does a board have to take place or can they make a decision without the prisoner present? Any information appreciated, or others experiences with HDC.
So my advice would be don't try and be too prepared as it doesn't seem to help.
If there's one thing I've learned, it's not to count down to tag date because it it only an eligibility date. If the paperwork/checks/board aren't done then the eligibility date just passes by!
I contacted my housing officer as we are in rented housing, to be honest it was more to explain my situation rent wise, she's asked me to call back when he's home so she can come and visit.
A month ago he started asking regularly when his board would be, they told him they wouldn't look at it till two weeks before. Last week he learned that they are awaiting external risk assessments from probation! I phoned probation officer and he went over RA questions etc again and he sent them back ( again).
He's now been told paperwork is complete and he's on the list for a board- tag date is next Saturday ( I'm guessing that would mean release on Monday) but while he's been there every tag he's seen granted seems to be release 14 days after board. This is so frustrating for the family and him, is there anything I can do to help? Or anything specific he can do?
( they also did his ROTL RA a couple of weeks ago, that's not due to happen till mid August when he was hoping he'd be home anyway!)
We are going through the same process, have you spoken to your boyfriends probation officer? Outside risk assessments are done by the probation officer so he/she will need to speak to you, or the person he would be returning home to.
Once the paperwork is done he will await a board, where it is decided whether or not he can be granted release on HDC.
l
Turns out she's not what I thought she was, and I need to move or put myself in a comprising position that might result in a return trip.
I can't go back to my parents house, so I'm not sure what options are available to me, any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
My boyfriends first time in prison, currently doing a 3 year sentence, he's been in trouble before with the police, but never been in prison. He has just got his 'tag' papers for him to fill in. The offence committed was theft and witness intimidation. He isn't due out until December however when he recived his tag papers if agreed and he is able to come home on tag, what are the chances? He's got a full time job for when hes home? thank you.
any advice would be good please,
also they haven't sorted him an accommodation out yet??
My bf has just filled out his HDC forms... what is the procedure now.. does it go to probation then to the Governor to authorise? or the other way round.
Tag at his girlfriends parents home and is hoping the board will sit next week. However, her dad has now decided that he doesn't want him there and I need to call them to change the address. Will this effect the time it all takes now?
I'm hoping you can provide me with some advice.
My partner is currently serving a 15 month prison sentence. The sentence was for Conspiracy To Defraud - 2012, Breach Of Community Order & Breah Of Suspended Sentence - 2014, he also has two more breaches of community orders in 2011 & 2014.
He has been given his eligibility date for July this year where he may be released on HDC. I have spoken to the deputy governor of the prison he is at & he stated its unlikely he will get his HDC because he has a breach of trust on more than one occasions in the last five years.
I have since read on the internet that a risk assessment will be done. He has a stable family home to return to, a young child and a supportive family, as well as his own business and the opportunity to return to higher education.
Do you think there is any posibility he could be given his HDC & who can I speak to that can provide more information?
Thanks
Thank you
There is also an emergency recall, when it is seen that their risk of harm or risk of reoffending is deemed too serious to warrant release. You will really need to speak to his solicitor to find out what is going on and when he will be released.
are serving an extended sentence, are serving a sentence for absconding/failing to return, have previously breached a curfew order or were recalled for breaching the HDC scheme, have been detained under mental health provisions, are subject to notification requirements under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, are liable for deportation from the UK, or their early release date for for HDC is less than 14 days from the halfway point of their sentence.
Will he be able to get a 'tag' and when should he apply for it (if he needs to apply) ?
Thanks.
My partner has been sentenced to 15 months and I know he automatically services half of this equalling 7.5 months. He is obviously eligible to apply for HDC can you tell me when his HDC eligibility date would be?
and i have contacted his solicitor but im yet to hear anything,im not aware why he got refused his TAG
hopefully will get some answers soon
thanks for all your help
and i have already contacted the helpline but they couldn't give me any information so tbh did not answer my question but greatful for the advice that was given
thanks
anne
due his tag for today which would have been either the (27th of feb or 2nd of march
his tagged address was contacted on the 9th and we didn't hear anything from his probation other than released on tag would be for the 28th if that makes sense?
he got rejected but we are unaware of the reason why this has happend
if he does not get tag after he appeals will be July and he will be on license
is there anyway he would be eligible to be out before then thanks
anne
Thanks for your time.
thanks anna
was given a tag date for the 28/2/15
unfortunately he has been knocked back,but i am unaware of the circumstances as to why he got refused,will be be eligible for an appeal,
he should be out end of July is tag is not granted soon,
please can someone shed some light on the situation
thanks
anna
Appreciate your kind reply.
Thanks
Thanks.
Thank you :)
Thanks
will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Prisoners serving sentences of 12 weeks or over but less than four years’ imprisonment are
eligible to be considered for HDC once they have served half their custodial sentence. I hope this helps.
My partner has a HDC eligibility date for the first week of Feb 2014. Outside probation has not yet contacted me. He has given my details and address to them. He has been assessed as medium risk. Should I contact his outside offender manager as i now have his number to see the status of his release?
Any advice is helpful as this is the first time for us and last.
It seems that the law and sentencing is far harsher than before when cases of Death by Careless Driving come up and is incredibly hard to get information on, so I would suggest that you speak directly to the Ministry of Justice to get the facts and then appeal to the prison governor through a law company with a mitigating case. Hope this helps . . .
My hubby served 6 month on HDC before being convicted in August. I know the time he spent on HDC will come of his sentence "as time spent" however his HDC release date was 25/11/2013, he only found out yesterday that he is not eligible. He put an appeal in right away, bare in mind he didn't not once breach his curfew before he got convicted he was quickly an enhances prisoner he followed all the correct guide lines he completed all the correct courses etc... Can any body give me some advice on what is the best next thing to do? How long does this appeal take? His release date is 7/4/2014 and he is over his half way point now. Any advice I would totally appreciate, Please. We have a disabled son at home, all we want is daddy home for Christmas. They can have him back after lol I'm kidding. We are so desperate to get him home i don't know how I'm going to explain daddy not being there Xmas day to our disabled ray of sunshine.
Any advice!!
PLEASE
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