Tracking anklets worn by sex offenders deter crime: gov't

SEOUL, March 10 (Yonhap) -- Electronic tracking anklets worn by people convicted of sex crimes have proven to be effective in lowering recidivism, a government report said Tuesday.

The Ministry of Justice said of the 219 parolees who have been ordered to wear
the device since September, only one has committed a sex crime again, translating
into a mere 0.46 percent of the total.
This is much lower than the recidivism rate of 5.2 percent that existed for sex
offenders before the anklets were introduced, it said.
At present, those released on parole are required to wear the tracking device for
up to six months, while starting in July, all people who have served time for sex
crimes will be compelled to wear one as a precautionary measure.
"One offender was apprehended just 20 hours after the crime took place, while
another had his parole revoked for failing to recharge the batteries on time," an
official said. The batteries need to be charged every 18 hours.
The anklet that must be worn at all times warns law enforcement officers if
wearers violate curfew or enter banned areas like school zones or areas where
their former victims live.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)