Electronically Monitored bail (EM bail)

Contact us:
Phone: 0800 EM BAIL (0800 362 245)
Email: emteamadmin@corrections.govt.nz

What is EM bail?

Electronically Monitored Bail (EM Bail) allows eligible people to live at an approved address in the community instead of staying in custody while they wait for their court hearing.

People on EM Bail are still going through the court process and are considered innocent unless proven guilty.

How EM bail works

If someone is granted EM Bail, they must:

• Stay at an approved address
• Wear an electronic monitoring tracker
• Be monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

In some cases, the court may allow them to leave the address for approved reasons, such as:

• Attending court
• Going to medical appointments
• Working or studying (if approved)

More information for people on electronic monitoring is available in our booklet, Electronic Monitoring: What You Need To Know PDF, 470.1 KB.

Who can be granted EM bail?

A judge decides whether EM bail can be granted. They must be satisfied that the person does not pose a risk to:

• the public
• victims or alleged victims
• witnesses
• anyone living at the address.

The judge also considers whether the person is likely to:

• appear in court as required
• avoid interfering with witnesses or evidence
• comply with the law while on bail.

Before making a decision, the judge receives advice from a probation officer or bail support officer, who assesses the:

• person applying for bail
• proposed address
• people living there.

For young people (aged 12–17), this assessment is done in consultation with Oranga Tamariki.

Who does what?

EM bail is delivered through a shared approach between Corrections and New Zealand Police:

Corrections is responsible for:

• assessing applicants (all applications must use our EM bail Application Form)
• installing and managing electronic monitoring
• supporting people on EM bail
• managing the 0800 EM BAIL contact line.

New Zealand Police are responsible for:

• responding to breaches (when rules are broken)
• enforcing bail conditions
• managing non-electronic bail conditions (such as non-association orders).

Bail conditions

In addition to electronic monitoring, the court may set other conditions. These may include:

• living at a specific approved address
• only working or studying at approved places
• not contacting certain people
• not changing address without court approval
• not using alcohol or drugs.

Leaving the address (absences)

People on EM bail must stay at their approved address unless they have permission to leave.  If they want to leave for a reason not already approved, they must request permission through the official online form.

Requests may be submitted by using our Request for Absence Form.

Requests are assessed on a case-by-case basis and must meet the conditions set by the court. Approval is not automatic.

What happens if rules are broken?

Following the rules of EM bail is critical.

If a condition is broken:

• Corrections is alerted immediately
• Police may respond
• the person may be arrested
• the court may review the bail and decide whether it should continue.

Benefits of EM bail

EM bail can allow people to:

• stay connected with their family and whānau
• continue working or studying (if approved)
• maintain stability while waiting for their court hearing.

EM bail can help young people stay engaged in education and maintain important support networks.