Tagging scheme extended

The tag will be available across the country

Electronic tagging of offenders has been introduced across Scotland, the justice minister has confirmed.

Jim Wallace said that Restriction of Liberty Orders, which have been trialled in Hamilton, Peterhead and Aberdeen, would now be brought into effect across the country.

Mr Wallace said he was confident the tags would prevent convicted criminals from reoffending.

The Scottish Executive said the orders would be made available to every sheriff court in the country.

Jim Wallace: "Range of measures"

The scheme provides an alternative to jail for minor offenders.

An order costs £5,000 over a six month period - compared with £13,000 for a jail sentence.

Serious offenders who have been released from prison could also be tagged if they are said to pose a risk.

Movement restrictions

Under the initiative minor offenders have transmitter placed on their wrist or ankle.

It sends a signal to a central computer where their movements are monitored, providing an effective curfew by restricting the offender's movements during certain hours.

Speaking at the opening of an electronic monitoring centre in East Kilbride, Mr Wallace said the initiative could be used as part of a range of measures.

He said: "The Restriction of Liberty Order complements the range of community disposals already available to the courts.

"It limits the opportunity for repeat offences, offering stability to those trying to break the lifestyle which may have contributed to the crime in the first place.

"It can also be used as part of a range of measures for the safe management of high risk offenders in the community."

James Douglas Hamilton: Alterior motive concerns

Commenting on the move, Scottish Conservative justice spokesman James Douglas Hamilton, said he was "suspicious" of the executive's motives in introducing the scheme.

"The Conservatives have long advocated the use of electronic tagging as a means of allowing the police to monitor the movement of criminals," he said.

"However, the initiative must not be used as an instrument to empty prisons of hoards of serious offenders who continue to pose a danger to society.

"My suspicion is that the executive's enthusiasm for electronic tagging is aimed at dealing with overcrowded prisons - brought about by its decision to close four since 1999.

"Although it certainly has an important role to play in our justice system, electronic tagging should not be viewed as a panacea in the fight against crime."