Electronic tags proposed for those under house arrest

A police officer reads the indictment and applies home arrest to an accused. — Photo nld.com.vn

HÀ NỘI —The Ministry of Public Security has proposed using electronic tags to monitor individuals under house arrest to prevent their disappearance or reoffending.

Under the Criminal Procedure Code, house arrest is a measure applied to an accused to ensure their presence when summoned by an investigating agency, the People’s Procuracy, or the court.

Individuals under house arrest must hand in a written pledge to fulfil their prescribed obligations, including submitting to the supervision of the local commune-level government or military unit.

The Ministry affirms that the current practice of monitoring individuals under house arrest faces significant challenges due to the absence of electronic devices.

Authorities often struggle to track the whereabouts and activities of these individuals, leading to some instances when people have escaped and wanted notices have had to be posted by law enforcement agencies.

To address these shortcomings, the Ministry proposes the implementation of electronic monitoring devices, especially electronic bracelets or anklets, for individuals under home arrest.

These devices provide real-time location tracking and identification capabilities, enabling remote monitoring. They also have tamper-proof mechanisms to prevent unauthorised removal or tampering.

The Ministry has cited successful examples from countries like Japan and Thailand, where electronic monitoring has proven to be an effective and cost-efficient alternative to traditional methods.

If the proposal is approved, its costs will be covered by the State budget, including the expenses for procuring and maintaining the devices and running an electronic monitoring management centre. — VNS