In a bold move to revamp the prison system, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood wants some offenders to serve their sentences at home – under ‘a virtual prison’. Do you think that’s a good idea?
Criminals could soon be ordered to serve their sentences at home rather than jail under plans to overhaul the prison system – and we’re asking if you think this is a good idea or not.
Today, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood will unveil a far-reaching review of sentencing to find fresh ways to punish offenders and deal with overflowing prisons.
Ideas include ‘virtual prisons’, using technologies like tagging to allow offenders to serve their sentences at home. Other innovations being considered include special wristwatches that remind offenders of their appointments with probation officers or mental health services.
Ms Mahmood said she believes in prison but said the Government “must increase the range of punishments we use” to prevent ministers from being forced to free prisoners early from jail.
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As it stands, offenders who have served some of their sentence in prison can be monitored using tags to keep track of curfews, their location and even to check alcohol consumption by measuring the wearer’s sweat. Following the review, electronic monitoring could be used more widely with judges able to sentence offenders to house arrest.
Officials are also looking at copying Texas’s prison reforms that allow prisoners to earn credits for good behaviour or for taking part in courses such as drug programmes to reduce their time in jail.
Ms Mahmood said: “We have an opportunity now to reshape and redesign what punishment outside of a prison looks like. I believe in punishment. I believe in prison, but I also believe that we must increase the range of punishments we use.
“And that those prisoners who earn the right to turn their lives around should be encouraged to do so. The Sentencing Review will make sure prison and punishment work – and that there is always a cell waiting for dangerous offenders.”
Speaking about different forms of punishment, she said: “Theoretically a judge could hand down a sentence of house arrest. I’m sure the review is going to want to look at all the different mechanisms that are out there to monitor offenders in the community, to supervise them effectively and then also to nudge their behaviour towards a rehabilitation activity that we know reduces re-offending.”
What do YOU think? Do you agree with Labour’s technology-utilising plans? Take our poll above and expand on your feelings in the comments below.
