New Satellite programs in the UK are tagging and tracking criminals' every move. Press release.
UK. 2 September 2004 - From the Office of the Prime Minister.
Three pilot schemes to track offenders by satellite were launched today.
Offenders'
will have their movements monitored to ensure they are complying with
the restrictions placed on them by the Courts, under the plan. It will
act as a deterrent to crime and enable authorities to intervene quickly
if restrictions are broken.
The tracking technology uses a
satellite Global Positioning System, backed up in some cases by mobile
phone technology. This is the first time such technology has been used
manage offenders in Europe, although it is currently used in several
American States.
Prolific offenders and domestic violence
offenders in Hampshire and the West Midlands will be tagged, as well as
sex offenders in Greater Manchester. The technology will also be used
to supervise persistent juvenile offenders in the community.
Home Secretary David Blunkett said the technology would ensure offenders stay away from crime:
"This
technology will allow us to develop and promote the tough community
sentences which are vital if we are to prevent re-offending and give
non-violent offenders a chance to serve an effective sentence in the
community."
"The public have to be confident that this 'prison
without bars' works and that it gives the police and probation services
the tools they need to protect them. This will build on the success of
electronic tagging in monitoring offenders."
The
pilots will initially run for 12 months. After that the Government will
decide whether to extend the use of tracking to the whole of England
and Wales.
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