What is Home Detention Curfew (HDC)?

Home Detention Curfew (often called a tag) allows some people to be released from prison before the end of their sentence, so they can spend the final part of it at home or another approved address.

Anyone released on HDC must follow a curfew, usually for between 9 and 12 hours a day, and will wear an electronic tag. The tag lets a monitoring centre check whether they are at their curfew address during curfew hours. If they are absent or interfere with the equipment, this may be investigated and could result in a return to prison.

HDC is intended to help people move back into the community gradually while still being closely monitored.

Who can be released on HDC?

Whether someone can be released on HDC depends on several factors, including:

• the type and length of sentence they are serving
• the offence they are currently serving time for
• their previous offending history
• their behaviour during this and any previous sentences
• whether they can be managed safely in the community

HDC is not automatic, even if someone meets the eligibility rules.

People serving standard determinate sentences, including some sentences of four years or more, may be considered for HDC  up to 365 days before their  release date.

Who cannot get HDC?

Some people are not eligible for HDC. This includes people who:

• are serving sentences for certain serious offences, such as sexual or terrorist offences
• are required to register as a sex offender
• are serving certain extended sentences
• are serving sentences for offences such as homicide, cruelty to children, some weapons offences, stalking or domestic abuse‑related offences
• are liable to deportation, in some cases

Even where someone meets the basic eligibility rules, they may still be considered presumed unsuitable for HDC because of the nature of their offence or their previous behaviour. In these cases, release on HDC would usually only happen in exceptional circumstances.

How long does Home Detention Curfew last?

HDC lasts for a minimum of 14 days and a maximum of 12 months

Eligibility for HDC depends on how much of the sentence has been served. Time spent on remand can count towards this.

Will everyone who is eligible get HDC?

No. Being eligible for HDC does not mean someone will be released on it.

Before release, checks and risk assessments are carried out. These look at:

• whether the proposed address is suitable
• whether anyone living at the address has concerns
• whether the person can be safely managed in the community

A decision can be made to refuse HDC even if someone meets the eligibility criteria.

What happens after release on HDC?

If someone is released on HDC, they must:

• stay at the curfew address during curfew hours
• follow all licence conditions
• cooperate with electronic monitoring

If the curfew or licence conditions are broken, the person may be recalled to prison.

The electronic tag is usually removed on the person’s normal release date.

Support for families

HDC can be a positive step, but it can also feel stressful or uncertain for families.

The Prisoners’ Families Helpline can help you understand how HDC works and what to expect if someone you care about is being considered for release.

Page last reviewed: 14 May 2026

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