Home detention curfew powers come into force

New powers of entry and search for police to apprehend a person unlawfully at large from a home detention curfew (HDC) have come into force.

A new offence of remaining unlawfully at large has also been introduced through the Management of Offenders Act which was passed by the Scottish Parliament in June.

The Act also includes greater powers around electronic monitoring including provisions enabling the use of technology to allow GPS tracking of offenders.

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Scotland’s firm focus on rehabilitation in custody and in the community is working – with reconviction rates at the lowest level in 20 years. The Management of Offenders Act is a key part of our wider work to reform the justice system, enhance public safety and support greater use of community alternatives to custody, including supervised bail.

“Introducing the specific offence of remaining unlawfully at large and strengthening the rules around home detention curfew provides the necessary protection to reintegrate prisoners into the community, reducing the risk of them reoffending.”