Potential Use of Electronic Tracking Devices for Prisoners on Parole or Furlough
Electronic tracking could help manage prisoners on parole or furlough, reducing overcrowding in jails.
Trackers could be used to monitor the movement of low- or moderate-risk undertrials and prisoners, ensuring they comply with parole conditions.
Using electronic devices could lower administrative costs associated with monitoring prisoners.
Trackers can ensure that released prisoners avoid locations or victims related to their crimes.
Odisha was the first State to propose the use of tamper-proof electronic trackers on undertrials accused of non-heinous offences to reduce congestion in jails.
Such a measure would extend the concept to grant of bail.
Concerns
There are concerns about violating prisoners' rights, especially regarding privacy.
Some argue that tracking devices could infringe on their freedom.
No clear standards exist on when and how tracking technology can be used, potentially leading to misuse or arbitrary application.
Visible tracking devices may stigmatize parolees or furloughed prisoners, causing social discrimination or reluctance to wear them.
Courts have previously disapproved of tracking methods (e.g., using Google Maps) that could violate privacy rights.
Some argue that imposing tracking without clear consent could be problematic, although consent-based models have been considered.
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