Proposal for electronic tagging of asylum seekers as Crowborough camp prepares to open
Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne suggests tagging male migrants to support public safety
Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne has proposed exploring the use of electronic tags for asylum seekers to enhance public safety and provide greater oversight as the Crowborough Army Training Camp prepares to house male asylum seekers.
The site will accommodate up to 540 single adult males aged 18 to 65, following initial screening checks. According to the Home Office, the camp, which was recently used as transitional housing for the Afghan Resettlement Programme, will provide basic accommodation and essential services, reducing reliance on local resources.
PCC Katy Bourne has discussed heightened concerns among Crowborough residents regarding the arrival of migrants at the site. Following protests, Bourne said she had sought assurances from Sussex Police about plans and resources to manage potential issues.
She said tagging asylum seekers, starting with male migrants, could prevent absconding and strengthen trust that public safety concerns are taken seriously. Bourne pointed to promising results from a Sussex electronic tagging pilot for shoplifters, adding that tags could also offer migrants greater freedom to seek temporary work while awaiting processing.
The proposal comes during an ongoing debate about how to accommodate asylum seekers effectively and protect host communities.
Security measures in place
To address residents’ concerns, the Home Office confirmed mandatory security checks on all asylum seekers, involving biometric identification linked to immigration, security, and criminality databases, as well as linking fingerprints and photographs to criminal records.
On-site security will be managed and monitored 24/7 by an experienced asylum accommodation provider, and Sussex Police will collaborate to ensure safety for both migrants and the community.
Accommodation details
The Crowborough Training Camp is described as offering safe and self-contained facilities with accommodation, catering, and laundry services provided on-site. While the site is non-detained, a “no alcohol zone” has been enforced.
Local health authorities and services are collaborating with the Home Office to minimise the impact on the surrounding community while ensuring the essential needs of asylum seekers are met.
This arrangement forms part of the government’s transition plan to move asylum seekers from hotels to alternative accommodations.