Ankle-worn electronic monitoring devices are being implemented for juvenile offenders as part of efforts to combat youth crime, with the initiative set to expand to three more cities in the region: Toowoomba, Cairns, and Mount Isa.
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The ankle-worn electronic monitoring devices were first introduced in 2021 as a way of keeping track of juvenile offenders. Initially, these devices were made available to 16- and 17-year-old repeat offenders in youth crime hot spots such as Townsville, North Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Logan, and the Gold Coast.
Only eight juvenile offenders were ordered to wear the trackers during the original 16-month trial period. The number has increased to a total of 16 since then.
To ensure community safety, an additional $4 million in funding has been allocated for an extended trial that will include offenders from 15 years old and up.
Queensland’s Police Minister Mark Ryan clarified that the electronic monitoring condition is only imposed when a person is granted bail. It is important to note that fewer offenders are being granted bail, further emphasising the significance of the GPS trackers.
These devices will be continuously monitored by Queensland Corrective Services, an agency with extensive experience in utilising this technology.
Queensland Youth Crime
According to the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office in April 2023, youth offenders and adult offenders have reached the lowest level ever recorded, a development that many consider promising.
The report, which analysed crime statistics from the 2021/22 financial years, highlights the continuing decline in the rate of unique child offenders, further solidifying the positive trend observed over the past decade.
The latest figure stands at 1,926.4 per 100,000 persons aged 10-17 years, representing a significant milestone in 10 years.
Mr Ryan, addressing the findings of the report, acknowledged that whilst the rates of unique youth offenders and unique adult offenders have shown a decline, there remains a persistent core group of recidivist offenders who must be held accountable.
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Despite the overall positive trend, he believes it is crucial to address the challenges posed by this specific group to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.
Published 23-June-2023