Prolific Offenders On Alcohol Monitoring Trial
A pioneering new way of monitoring the most prolific offenders in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys is being trialled by Dyfed-Powys Police.
The new technology, which includes electronic GPS real-time tracking and a remote alcohol monitoring system, is currently being tested by the Integrated Offender Management (IOM) team, where Dyfed-Powys Police and Wales Probation Service work together to prevent and reduce re-offending of those who have the most detrimental effect on their communities.
Dyfed-Powys is the first force area in the UK to trial the alcohol monitoring system, which has been provided by 3M.
The GPS tracker has the capability to alert offenders of their probation violations, as well as alerting the relevant IOM team.
The remote alcohol monitoring system can be set up to request manual, automatic and random breath tests from the offender and includes a picture identity verification.
The pilot is being carried out voluntarily on six offenders throughout the Dyfed-Powys Police force area. After a three month pilot, the results will be reviewed to find out if there is any reduction in re-offending rates with the use of these technologies.
Chief Inspector Craig Templeton said: “We’re the first police force area in the UK to trial the alcohol monitoring system. We’re keen to find out if this new technology would provide a cost-effective and improved management of offenders throughout Dyfed-Powys, and ultimately lead to a reduction in the level of re-offending.”
CAPTION: Sgt Keith Mages (Transform IOM Scheme, Carmarthenshire) demonstrating the alcohol monitoring device to Cllr Pam Palmer, Chair of the Fair and Safe Communities Group in Carmarthenshire and Executive Board Member for Community Safety.
Spotted something? Got a story? Email News@News.Wales
