Experts say electronic tags for offenders will cut crime and help to change lives

Electronic tagging for criminals who have committed minor offences will help to reduce the crime rate and put offenders on the path to rehabilitation, an expert said.

The GPS bracelets will be introduced as an option for those found guilty of crimes that carry a sentence of less than two years and do not include mandatory deportation.

Lama Younis, a criminologist and forensic psychologist, said it would encourage offenders to behave during their prison sentence to qualify for the new scheme.

Ms Younis said first-time offenders would be given a chance to reform, reducing the likelihood of them offending again.

“When they know they have an alternative to prison, they will have that epiphany when they say to themselves: ‘It’s time to mend my ways’,” she said.

In some cases, the move could benefit the offender and the victim, Ms Younis said.

If someone is found guilty of issuing a bounced cheque of more than Dh200,000, the offender’s movements, when released, will be restricted and they will not be able to flee the country.

And someone released with a GPS bracelet is more likely to repay debts if they are able to find work.

“This means that the victim’s chances of retrieving their money are much higher,” Ms Younis said.

The exact details of the tagging scheme have yet to be revealed but the criminologist said that fitting offenders with an ankle bracelet – which can be concealed in public – rather than a wrist bracelet would help wearers to feel less embarrassed.

“An offender wearing the device on his ankle will feel more confident and comfortable as it’s invisible to others which is a factor that will contribute to this person’s reform,” Ms Younis said.

The monitoring scheme, announced in September, is the latest in a drive by the government to prioritise rehabilitation over incarceration.

Amendments to the anti-narcotics law issued in 2016 gave first-time drug users the opportunity to choose rehabilitation.

Last year, Dubai judges announced eight offences that could be settled out of court. These included cases involving dishonoured cheques for amounts not exceeding Dh200,000, the failure to pay fees or costs of not more than Dh50,000, and issuing insults.

The change also meant that anyone who tried to commit suicide and failed would be fined and not prosecuted.

And in March last year, the option for community service to replace detention for minor crimes was announced.

When they know they have an alternative to jail, they will have that epiphany and say: ‘It’s time to mend my ways’ LAMA YOUNIS Criminologist