Can Technology Create a 'Prison Outside Prison'?

In July 2025, the UK government unveiled a bold new initiative: a tech-driven alternative to incarceration. Called a "prison outside prison", the plan leverages AI, biometric tracking, and wearable devices to monitor certain offenders in the community, aiming to reduce the burden on traditional prisons while maintaining public safety.

The proposal reflects an emerging trend in criminal justice—rethinking incarceration through the lens of technology.

What Is the 'Prison Outside Prison' System?

Launched under the leadership of Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, the initiative enlists major technology companies to build systems capable of tracking and analyzing offender behavior in real-time. These systems use:

• AI Surveillance Tools: To detect anomalies and predict potential non-compliance.

• GPS-Enabled Tags: For location-based restrictions and movement monitoring.

• Biometric Systems: Such as gait recognition to verify identity and detect unauthorized movements.

• Substance Monitoring Tags: To track alcohol or drug use as part of rehabilitation plans.

Rather than relying on incarceration alone, the model focuses on community-based supervision with strict digital oversight.

Addressing Overcrowding

The UK’s prison population has surged, nearing capacity despite efforts like early release programs and new construction projects, such as the environmentally friendly HMP Millsike. The “prison outside prison” model is an attempt to relieve systemic pressure without sacrificing accountability or safety.

Challenges and Criticisms

While the initiative offers an innovative approach, it also raises concerns:

• Privacy Risks: Constant surveillance may infringe on civil liberties.

• Implementation Gaps: Experts warn of the Ministry of Justice's past issues with IT projects.

• Public Trust: The effectiveness of the system depends on public confidence in technology-driven justice.

Justice Secretary Mahmood has emphasized the importance of balancing innovation with accountability, saying the aim is to ensure “tough community punishment” without compromising public trust.