UK Expands Use of Alcohol-Detecting Tags

(MENAFN) Thousands of offenders across England and Wales are being monitored for alcohol consumption during the New Year holiday period through electronic tags that measure alcohol levels in sweat.

According to a statement from the UK government on Tuesday, around 5,000 individuals released from prison or serving community sentences are currently fitted with the devices.
The initiative aims to keep offenders sober during a season traditionally linked with higher alcohol intake and to curb drink-related reoffending.

The technology functions continuously, 24 hours a day. If alcohol is detected, an alert is automatically sent to a probation officer, who can respond by ordering the offender back to court or returning them to prison.

Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy emphasized: “Alcohol-driven crime causes real harm to victims and communities, and piles extra pressure on our emergency services. Tackling it head-on is vital to make our streets safer.

“These tags act as a physical and constant reminder to offenders that there’s no room for slip-ups – one drink and they could find themselves back in court or even behind bars.”

Government data shows that offenders prohibited from drinking remain sober on 97% of the days they are tagged.

Officials also noted that the devices are advanced enough to distinguish between foods containing trace amounts of alcohol — such as mince pies — and actual alcoholic beverages that could cause intoxication.

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