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.