Durham Police have announced that they are buying an additional 90 electronic tags for offenders, following a successful pilot scheme.
In December 2014, the force bought 10 tags and put them onto 15 separate offenders who had committed burglary and shoplifting offences, and volunteered to wear them. The tags are monitored remotely.
This pilot showed that the offenders with the tags didn’t commit any crimes, despite them having previously amassed 467 separate offences between them. The tags led to 3 arrests, following which the police took no further action. Only one subject has reoffended since the tag was removed.
PCC Ron Hogg said: “I am pleased that the force is investing in more tags to put on offenders.  Both public and businesses need to feel safe, and offenders need to know that they are being monitored.  This directly supports my objectives relating to reducing crime and increasing public confidence.
“This is also a good example of how the force is going digital by investing in technology.  It also offers up the opportunity of working more closely with our partners in probation services.”
Detective Inspector Andy Crowe said: “We are looking to issue additional tags in the coming weeks.  I am pleased that the pilot project worked successfully. The aims of the project are to stop reoffending and support rehabilitation, meaning fewer victims of crime.
“The tags we have bought cost only a fraction of the money compared to the tags that most other forces have bought, and this will be one of the biggest initiative of its kind in England and Wales.  It means that officers do not have to spend time visiting offenders and can spend their time on more important tasks.”