18 October 2000 Media Statement
Home detention success shows potential
The success of the first year of home detention shows its potential in a 21st century corrections system, says Minister
of Corrections Matt Robson.
Today we celebrate 12 months of the electronic bracelet monitoring system. Currently 179 people are wearing the ankle
bracelets.
"The success of home detention has been outstanding. 513 people have been monitored in the first year but only 9 have
been recalled and 9 breached their detention conditions.
“That level of success shows how useful home detention could be for inmates released with parole conditions. Such close
monitoring offers more effective community protection than current release options.
"That's why I am looking into home detention for offenders who have served their prison term. This does not mean
replacing jail with home detention. Nor does it mean letting violent offenders out earlier."
Rehabilitation programmes form a major part of home detention conditions for ninety per cent of the detainees.
International evaluations show re-offending is cut where electronic monitoring is used hand-in-hand with rehabilitative
programmes and probation supervision.
The eligibility criteria for home detention are very strict.
Detainees are monitored on a 24 hour basis and their probation officer liaises closely with employers and co-residents
to ensure the detainee complies with home detention conditions.
ENDS