On Monday's news, we told you how the Ministry of National Security is considering the use of ankle monitors for repeat offenders.
Ankle monitors are used in other jurisdictions like the US to keep track, via GPS, of the movement of criminals. The device is placed on the law breaker's ankle, and it allows the authorities to track the wearer's movement, allowing law enforcement to know where he or she is at all times.
Well, the Ministry of National Security is considering bringing the technology to Belize, especially for and a press release says, quote, "The Minister… established an exploratory committee to examine the feasibility of a repeat gun offence law. The law would require repeat gun offenders and convicted gang members to wear a tracking device when they are released from prison to enable police to compare those persons' location to the scene of a crime at the time the crime is committed." End quote.
We caught up with National Security Minister John Saldivar at another event today, and the press asked him to discuss his interest in bringing ankle monitoring in Belize. Here's what he had to say:
Hon. John Saldivar - Ministry of National Security
"As the name of the Committee says, its an exploratory committee to look at the best practices across the world, in other regions, and in other institutions that have applied. We're going to look at the feasibility of doing it here in Belize, both from a technical standpoint, with respect to equipment, also from a legal standpoint, from a policing standpoint. So, this committee will look at all of that including the cost for such an initiative, and they'll give me a report in 60 days, after which, we'll make some decisions as to whether we want to move forward with it or not."
Reporter
"Are you looking at people who would be on parole, or people who would receive bail from the courts. Who are your primary targets for this?"
Hon. John Saldivar
"Well, as we have said in the release, we're looking at repeat offenders. We're looking at dangerous criminals who have done violent crimes, especially gun crimes, but also gang crimes. And so, we'll be looking at a wide cross-section that will help us to keep the crime situation under control."
Reporter
"That does require responding to people who are referring to human rights, if you're looking at people who are repeat offenders, they may not necessarily come under any category that would require constant monitoring."
Hon. John Saldivar
"Well, the world's greatest democracies have used it, and so, I believe that it can withstand the scrutiny with respect to constitutionality."
This exploratory committee comprises Carlos Namis, an IT specialist, Dr. Ajay Hotchandani, a consultant, and Nicole Haylock, a citizen security expert.
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