'Microchip tagging' for convicts
Sunday, 13 Jan 2008 12:00
Microchips will be implanted under the skin of prisoners, according to reports
The government is reportedly discussing plans to tag prisoners with microchips as part of proposals to reduce prison overcrowding.
The Independent on Sunday reports that computer chips are set to be implanted under the skin of offenders in order to improve information about their whereabouts. It adds that Ministry of Justice (MoJ) officials are considering the use of satellite and other advanced devices designed to monitor convicts.
An official from the MoJ told the paper that it was considering introducing tagging devices for prisoners that was similar to that used to locate missing cars. The government is currently using technology strapped to prisoners' ankles.
The paper quoted a minister as saying: "We have wanted to take advantage of this technology for several years, because it seems a sensible solution to the problems we are facing in this area.
"We have looked at it and gone back to it and worried about the practicalities and the ethics, but when you look at the challenges facing the criminal justice system, it's time has come," the official added.
Shami Chakrabarti, director of civil rights group Liberty, criticised the move saying that it would degrade prisoners and hinder their rehabilitation.
"If the Home Office doesn't understand why implanting a chip in someone is worse than an ankle bracelet, they don't need a human-rights lawyer; they need a common-sense bypass," she added.