by Megan Harrison
Published 1994
Kogan Page
Paperback
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Blackstone's Police Manual - Evidence and Procedure: 2002 Ed
by Glenn Hutton, David Johnston
Published1999
Blackstone Press
Paperback
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Electronic monitoring involves the fitting of a small electronic device or 'tag' on the anlde or wrist of the offender and installing a monitoring unit at the place of curfew The tag acts as a small transmitter and the monitoring unit as the receiver. The unit is connected via a normal telephone line to a Monitoring Centre. The range of the equipment is variable so that it can acconttnodate all sizes of properties and is set at the time of installation in such a way that it confines the person wearing the tag to the limits set by the court (usually the perimeter of their home).
The tag emits a regular signal which is picked up by the monitoring unit and sent via the phoneline to the Monitoring Centre. This signal confirms the presence or absence of the offender within the place specified by the court. The system can also detect any attempt to tamper with the equipment, including the tag itself.
During the curfew period any violation of the conditions of curfew is detected and displayed on the screens at the Monitoring Centre within minutes.The action taken by the officers on duty is specific to the type of violation that has occurred and is clearly laid out in the terms of the contract.
Complete records of curfew compliance are kept and are produced in court when required, or when requested to do so by authorised persons.
Alleged breaches of the curfew are investigated and recorded by the contractors and the offender is returned to court so that the court may determine if the breach is proven and if so, decide what action is to be taken.