Electronic tagging imminent to reduce prison population
In an effort to reduce overcrowding in prisons and the costs of managing offenders, the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) will soon use an electronic tracking device to keep an eye on parolees.
Correctional Services Minister Sibusiso Ndebele publicly demonstrated the electronic monitoring system at a media briefing, recently held in Pretoria.
Ndebele was reported to have told the attendees that the main purpose of implementing the tags is to reduce the prison population by ensuring detention outside correctional facilities.
He added that the implementation of the device would result in reduced costs in managing offenders, but also effectively track them at any time.
At the moment, it costs taxpayers R9 876 a month to incarcerate an inmate.
For electronic monitoring, the monthly cost per offender outside of prison would be R3 379.
Ndebele explained that a waterproof and shock-resistant personal identification device will be fitted to an offender’s ankle.
It can’t be removed without breaking the transmitter, which will be linked to a control room that is monitored 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
An offender will also carry a GPS receiving unit, functioning as a cellphone and equipped with a solar charger, to enable communication with the control room on the parolee’s geographical position.
“If an offender attempts to remove the device, it triggers a tamper alarm in the control room, where a central computer system monitors persons placed under surveillance,” Ndebele said.
He added that if tampering is detected, the offender will receive a telephone call to verify the details of the alleged breach and officials will follow this up by verifying information, taking statements and inspecting equipment.
“Victims of domestic abuse can be given a receiver that alerts them if the perpetrator comes within a certain radius of them,” he said, adding that the receiver is also a panic button that alerts police to possible danger.
Ndebele noted that the system enables offenders to be reintegrated into society and urged society, communities and families to work with the DCS to derive the desired benefits of public security and managing the offender population.
