Qld: State government trials electronic devices for prisoners
BRISBANE, April 2 AAP - The Queensland government will use electronic monitoring equipmentto keep tabs on violent and sexual offenders.
Premier Peter Beattie and Corrective Services Minister Tony McGrady today announcedcabinet had approved a six-month trial in which serious offenders eligible for home detentionwould wear an electronic anklet 24 hours a day.
The original home detention electric monitoring trial, approved by cabinet last Februaryand due to end this June, would be extended until December, Mr Beattie said.
The original trial did not include violent and sexual offenders even though they hadaccess to the standard home detention program.
"Under the new arrangements, violent and sexual offenders will be eligible for theprogram only in circumstances where the independent community corrections boards wouldhave originally granted them home detention," Mr Beattie said.
Mr Beattie said out of the 22 offenders who had so far taken part in the trial, nonehad re-offended of absconded.
"The proposed changes will allow community corrections boards to impose the toughestform of surveillance upon more serious offenders and contribute to a safer community,"
he said.
The electronic anklet is plugged into the offender's home phone line and sends an immediatealert to a community corrections officer if the offender tries to tamper with the deviceor leave home without permission.
Opposition Leader Mike Horan today expressed his support for the trial, but said hewasn't sure why more research was needed.
"I am certainly very supportive of this program," Mr Horan told reporters.
"If the first trial was proved successful, then I really don't see any reason why theycan't now go into a full blown system."
Mr Beattie said the extended trial would need no additional funding.
AAP ved/sc/las/sb a
KEYWORD: ELECTRONIC
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