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uk Legal, police, prison & official contact missed check-in alert • missed probation check-in • missed licence check-in • supervision app check-in failed • phone check-in system • automated check-in call • check-in deadline short • compliance window expiring • technical glitch check-in • location monitoring check-in • curfew check-in alert • electronic tag alert • missed reporting requirement • cannot complete check-in • supervision phone number changed • app notification not received • evidence of attempted check-in • check-in error message • missed check-in notification

What to do if…
you receive a missed check-in alert from a supervision app or phone system and the deadline to correct it is short

Short answer

Treat it as urgent: try to complete the check-in immediately, and if it won’t go through, contact your probation practitioner/offender manager or the Electronic Monitoring Service (EMS) right away so there’s a clear record you tried before the deadline.

Do not do these things

  • Do not ignore it and “deal with it later” if the deadline is short.
  • Do not turn your phone off, change SIMs, or stop answering calls because you feel overwhelmed.
  • Do not delete the alert, app data, call logs, or messages (you may need proof you attempted to comply).
  • Do not invent an explanation or create fake screenshots/records.
  • Do not travel somewhere new or break any other condition (curfew, exclusion zones, alcohol/drug testing, contact restrictions) “while you sort it out”.
  • Do not send long angry messages in the moment—keep everything short and factual.

What to do now

  1. Capture the basics (60–90 seconds).
    Screenshot the alert and any error messages. Write down: the time you saw it, the deadline shown, and what the system is asking you to do (check-in call, selfie, GPS ping, code, etc.).

  2. Retry the check-in in the simplest possible way (and keep proof).

    • App: force-close and reopen, check battery is charged, turn off VPN, switch to mobile data or stable Wi-Fi, allow location permissions, then try again.
    • Phone system: call back from your registered number, in a quiet place with signal, and complete the prompts slowly.
      If it succeeds, take a screenshot of the “completed” screen (or note the confirmation time/code).

  3. If it still won’t complete, contact the right place immediately and make a time-stamped trail.

    • If this is probation/licence supervision: contact your probation practitioner / offender manager using the number/email you were given. If you can’t reach them, leave a voicemail and send a brief message (if you have an approved channel) so there’s a timestamp.
    • If this relates to electronic tagging: contact EMS (24/7):
      • Curfew/location tags: 0800 137 291
      • Alcohol tags: 08081 780 058
        Keep your message factual: “I received an alert at [time]. I attempted to check in [number] times. It failed with [error]. I’m available now.”

  4. Stay reachable and stay compliant while you’re sorting it out.
    Keep your phone charged, sound on, and answer calls (including unknown numbers). If you have a curfew/address condition, stay at your approved address unless your supervising officer/EMS tells you otherwise.

  5. Collect “proof of good faith” without overexplaining.
    Save: screenshots, call logs showing your attempts, any reference/case number given, and a short note of anything relevant (e.g., loss of signal, app crash, phone unexpectedly died). Keep supporting documents (e.g., employer/doctor note) ready in case your officer asks.

  6. If police contact you, or you’re asked to attend a police station, slow it down and get legal advice.
    If you’re arrested or asked to be interviewed under caution at a police station, ask for free legal advice (the duty solicitor) before any interview. Keep your records/screenshots available.

What can wait

  • A long written explanation, complaints, or “who is to blame” discussions.
  • Replacing your phone or reinstalling everything (unless your supervising officer/EMS tells you to).
  • Sorting out future schedule changes—focus only on clearing this alert and staying reachable/compliant.

Important reassurance

Missed check-in alerts can happen because of tech issues, signal problems, or genuine mistakes. What usually reduces harm fastest is showing immediate good-faith action: you tried, you reported the problem quickly, and you stayed contactable and compliant.

Scope note

This is first-steps-only guidance for the next minutes/hours. Next steps (formal breach action, recall, varying conditions) depend on your specific order/licence and instructions from your supervising officer/EMS.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice. Use the contact details in your supervision/tag paperwork first and follow the instructions you’re given. If you feel at immediate risk of harm, contact emergency services.

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