Electronic tags for paroled prisoners

The electronic bracelet

The Shanghai No. 1 Intermediate People's Court ruled yesterday that prisoners out on parole will have to wear an electronic bracelet that will allow officers to monitor them.

The ruling is the first of its kind in the country.

The waterproof electronic bracelet is fitted with a GPS chip and a SIM card, which enables correctional authorities to monitor the prisoners in real time. The electronic tag has been tested on some prisoners during a pilot project before the court decided to make the device a regular feature yesterday.

Police will immediately be sounded out if the prisoner tries to break or remove them.

Chen Yong, who was sentenced to three years in jail for robbery, was yesterday ordered to put on the bracelet during his six-month probation.

Officers of the community-based correction institution put the bracelet, that looks like a black wristwatch, on his ankle in the court.

Chen will have to keep the bracelet on at all times, including when he goes to sleep or takes a shower.

But Lu Yuying, the judge in Chen's case, said the electronic device for prisoners will be used depending on the nature of the crime, behavior and the prisoner's condition.

Lu said Chen committed the robbery while visiting prostitutes — considered aggravated — so tying him down with the device was necessary.

"Those who commit violent, sexual or drug-related crimes will all be tied down with the device if they are to be released on parole," the judge said.

Electronic shackle, or electronic ankle bracelet, have been used in many countries including Sweden, the US, and South Korea to monitor suspects or paroled convicts.