The Scottish Government is consulting on plans to use GPS satellite tracking to track the whereabouts of sex offenders, including those convicted of sex crimes. It launched the plans this week.
A number of possible uses of the technology are being considered, such as enhanced monitoring of: sex offenders, persistent offenders, offenders on bail before they are sentenced and those involved in domestic abuse cases.
The consultation also asks for views on the use of other technological developments, such as alcohol bracelets, which can be used to take readings from an offender’s skin to remotely monitor their alcohol intake.
Since April this year, a new Scottish Government electronic monitoring contract has been in place which for the first time allows for GPS capability. This new consultation asks how these methods of monitoring could be used and with which types of offenders.
It is thought that satellite tracking could improve how offenders are monitored by enabling the authorities to constantly track an offender’s exact location.
The technology can also be used to establish ‘exclusion zones’, meaning an alarm is triggered whenever an offender comes near an area they are prohibited from, so that agencies can respond with immediate effect. It could also enable exclusion from areas and places associated with the potential risk for re-offending, such as high streets, schools and playgrounds.
"Electronic monitoring is already an important tool for managing offenders in the community," said Justice Secretary, Kenny MacAskill. "There are also a range of operational and ethical issues which need to be taken into consideration and we are seeking views on this."
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