Home Detention Curfew TAG Support
At Prisoner Rights Legal Services, we understand how important early release can be for prisoners and their families. Home Detention Curfew (HDC), often called TAG, allows eligible prisoners to serve part of their sentence at home under electronic monitoring and strict conditions. It provides a bridge between custody and full release, helping people rebuild family ties, return to work or education, and prepare for life outside. The process, however, can be complex, and refusals are common if applications are not handled carefully. Our team supports prisoners and families with applications, refusals, and appeals to improve their chances of success.
Need immediate advice? Call us today on 0203 697 0403 for a confidential discussion.
What is Home Detention Curfew (TAG)?
Home Detention Curfew, known as TAG, is a scheme that allows certain prisoners to be released before their official release date, provided they meet strict conditions.
Prisoners on TAG must:
- Wear an electronic tag, usually fitted to their ankle.
- Stay at an approved address during curfew hours.
- Comply with strict rules, which may include not leaving home at night, avoiding certain people or places, and regular contact with probation.
TAG is not a “soft option”, it is a structured form of early release designed to balance rehabilitation with public protection. By releasing prisoners under close monitoring, the system allows them to take steps towards reintegration while still being held accountable.
Who Can Apply for TAG?
Not every prisoner will be eligible. The scheme is usually open to prisoners serving short to medium-length sentences who are considered low risk.
To apply, the prisoner must:
- Have a fixed, safe home address to stay at.
- Be willing and able to follow curfew rules.
- Show good behaviour and progress in custody.
Prisoners who are normally excluded include:
- High-risk offenders.
- Those serving very long sentences.
- Prisoners without a suitable home address.
- Individuals with a history of failing to comply with licence conditions.
Every application is assessed on its own merits. Prison staff and probation services carry out checks on behaviour, risk, and the proposed address before making a decision.
Common Reasons for Refusal
Even when a prisoner applies correctly, applications for TAG are not always approved. Some of the most common reasons for refusal include:
- Unsuitable address – if the proposed home is unsafe, unstable, or cannot be properly monitored.
- Risk concerns – where probation or prison staff believe the prisoner may break curfew rules or pose a risk to the public.
- Poor behaviour in prison – recent disciplinary issues or rule-breaking can lead to refusal.
- Incomplete sentence plan -if the prisoner has not finished important courses or rehabilitation work required by their sentence.
- Public safety concerns – particularly if the offence involved violence or risk to vulnerable people.
When refused, the prisoner is usually given written reasons. These can form the basis for a later reapplication or appeal.
Challenging a TAG Refusal
A refusal does not have to be the end of the process. In many cases, prisoners can challenge a TAG refusal if they believe the decision was unfair, based on errors, or did not take all the evidence into account.
Challenging usually involves:
2. Collecting new evidence: such as proof of good behaviour, updated risk assessments, or stronger information about the home address.
3. Addressing concerns directly: for example, providing reassurance about family support, supervision, or compliance with curfew rules.
Submitting a challenge: this may involve written representations or a formal appeal.
If the challenge is successful, the refusal can be overturned, and the prisoner granted TAG. If not, the reasons for refusal can help guide future applications.
Who Can Apply for a Transfer?
At Prisoner Rights Legal Services, we understand how important early release is for prisoners and their families. Home Detention Curfew (HDC), known as TAG, allows some prisoners serving short to medium sentences to complete part of their time at home, under electronic monitoring and strict conditions. To be eligible, prisoners must be assessed as low risk and have a suitable address to live at. TAG helps rebuild family ties, return to work or education, and prepare for life outside. The process can be complex, so our team submits applications and appeals for the best chance of success.
Benefits of Early Release on TAG
The benefits of TAG go far beyond leaving prison earlier. For both the prisoner and their family, early release under supervision can make a huge difference.
Key benefits include:
- Rebuilding family life – being present at home allows prisoners to reconnect with partners, children, and relatives.
- Employment and education – prisoners on TAG can return to work, attend training, or continue studies, improving their future prospects.
- Gradual reintegration – adjusting step by step to life outside prison reduces the shock of sudden release.
- Supportive supervision – probation and monitoring ensure the transition is structured and safe.
- Lower risk of reoffending – prisoners who are supported into work, family life, and community ties are far less likely to return to crime.
TAG is therefore an important part of rehabilitation, helping individuals make a smoother, safer transition back into society.
How we can help
At Prisoner Rights Legal Services, we provide expert support with both applications and refusals for TAG. Our services include:
01
02
03
04
05
FAQs about Home Detention Curfew
What is Home Detention Curfew (HDC)?
HDC is a scheme that allows prisoners that are eligible to be released from prison early, to spend the rest of their sentence on a curfew and license monitored by an electronic tag. This is intended to help manage transition back into the community.
Is every prisoner entitled to be released on TAG?
No, certain offences are excluded – examples include serious violent and sexual offences and some offence types such as possession of an offensive weapon, possession of firearms with intent, cruelty to children, and offences associated with domestic abuse (stalking, coercive control, etc.).
Will the offender be wearing an electronic TAG?
Yes, HDC releases are monitored by an electronic tag, usually worn on the ankle. This checks that the person is staying at their approved address and that they are sticking to approved curfew times.
What is an approved address for HTC?
The approved address is the agreed address that the offender will be staying at during their curfew hours. This is monitored by the TAG. If an approved address needs to be changed this has to be agreed prior to a move.
Do you think you or a loved one could be eligible for TAG?
We at Prisoner Rights Legal Services can help look into if you are eligible and take on the application process / appeal process to strengthen your case for HDC.
Next Steps
If you or a loved one is preparing a TAG application, or has recently had one refused, we can help. The rules and requirements can be complex, but with the right advice and representation, you can improve your chances of success.
Prisoner Rights Legal Services offers a free initial conversation to explain your options and how we can support you.
Take the first step towards early release, rehabilitation, and rebuilding life in the community.
Speak to a Prison Law Expert Today
or complete our enquiry form and we’ll come back to you
Latest New and Insights
Need Answers? View All Prisoner Rights Articles Here
