The tags monitor offenders’ sweat every 30 minutes and
alert the probation service if alcohol is consumed. Not
complying with their alcohol abstinence order – new
powers allowing courts to issue drinking bans for up to
120 days – could see them back in court for further
sentencing or facing fines.
It is the latest boost to the Government’s plans to make
community sentences more robust, a tougher punishment
while also making criminals less likely to reoffend. Last
month, the Lord
Chancellor set out reforms to make community orders
stricter and expand the use of electronic monitoring.
Alcohol is a factor in around 39% of violent crime, with
the social and economic cost of alcohol-related harm
stretching to over £21 billion per year. It is seen as
one of the driving influencers of domestic violence and
unprovoked attacks on strangers. That is why the sobriety
tags will be backed up by targeted professional support,
signposting offenders to the help they need to improve
their lifestyle and rein in their drinking. Referrals to
treatment will continue to be made for those with more
serious alcohol addictions who commit crimes.
Minister for Crime and Policing,
said:
All too often we see the devastating effects of
alcohol-fuelled behaviour, reckless crimes and casual
violence which blight our neighbourhoods and the lives
of too many victims.
This proven new tool can break the self-destructive
cycle that offenders end up in, helping them sober up
if they choose to and the courts to punish those who
don’t.
The scheme follows two successful pilots in London and
across Humberside, Lincolnshire and North Yorkshire which
showed that offenders were alcohol free on over 97% of
the days monitored. Wearers also reported a positive
impact on their lives, wellbeing and behaviour.
At present, abstinence orders can last for four months
but we are looking at whether they should be able to last
longer as part of our sentencing reforms.
The tags alert staff when they have been tampered with
and can distinguish between drinks and other types of
alcohol – such as hand sanitiser or perfume. They work
24/7 and can also tell if someone tries to block contact
between the tag and their skin.
Secretary of State for Wales said:
Alcohol can have a devastating impact on lives and
figures show it is a key factor behind far too many
crimes.
I am encouraged to see Wales at the forefront of
implementing this new technology, which we believe will
contribute towards lowering reoffending rates, making
our streets safer and supporting those who need help.
The Government’s plans to overhaul sentencing will see
dangerous offenders spend longer in prison, while greater
efforts are made to tackle the root causes of offending.
More support will be on offer for those willing to turn
their back on crime through treatment for mental health
issues and addictions. Supervision of offenders in the
community will be improved with greater powers for
probation officers and increased curfews. The Government
also plans to use GPS tags to track burglars, robbers and
thieves when they are released from prison.
