22/2/04
As part of the State Government's crackdown on serious juvenile crime in Western Australia, young offenders will be attached with electronic monitoring devices.
Justice Minister Michelle Roberts said today the new laws were part of a major reform package by the State Government designed to help protect the community from serious juvenile offenders.
Mrs Roberts said up to 250 serious repeat young offenders could be targeted with the new electronic devices.
"The community has a right to expect that serious young offenders, who have received the privilege of early release from courts or custody, are properly managed," she said.
"We are also considering other measures which will further crackdown on repeat juvenile offenders who fail to meet their obligations of community supervision."
The Minister said proposed amendments to the Young Offenders Act would give authorities the scope to acquire and utilise the latest technology to monitor young offenders on curfews and community-based sanctions.
"Creating a safer community is a priority for our Government and technology is now providing the answers to boosting our security measures, seven days a week, 24 hours a day," she said.
"The monitoring device will be a valuable tool in helping selected juvenile offenders reintegrate into society on release from detention.
"The first six months after release can be a particularly critical time for some young people as they face strong temptations to reoffend."
Mrs Roberts said that following a successful State-wide pilot, the Department of Justice's Electronic Monitoring Unit was now using the latest generation equipment to electronically monitor adult offenders subject to community-based orders.
"Under the new system, a site monitoring unit is located in the offender's home and sets an electronic boundary around the property," she said.
"The offender wears a tamper-proof personal identification device around the ankle that triggers an alarm at a remote monitoring location if the boundary is crossed or the equipment is interfered with in any way."
The Minister said the system was far better than previous arrangements when offenders were randomly checked by phone.
"In contrast, now we can tell immediately if someone is trying to tamper with their ankle device, or even if an offender moves the base monitoring unit around within their home," she said.
"The monitor will immediately call and order it to be returned to its station, much to the surprise of the offender."
Mrs Roberts said WA already had some of the toughest sentencing laws in Australia and the new laws will further increase the management of juvenile offenders in the community.
"Our Government will continue to examine and access new ways to safeguard the community from serious and repeat juvenile offenders," she said.
Minister's office: 9213 6600
