Key Takeaways:
- Children as young as 10 who break the law in Queensland could be fitted with electronic ankle monitors under new legislation
- The proposed laws remove the requirement for consent from the child, parent, or guardian to wear the device
- The trial of electronic monitoring devices for serious repeat youth offenders aged 15 and older showed a 24% reduction in offending
- Youth offenders without regular housing may face difficulties with electronic monitoring devices, including charging and connectivity issues
- The legislation aims to reduce offending rates and provide an alternative to detention for young offenders
Introduction to Electronic Monitoring Devices
The Queensland government has introduced new legislation that would allow children as young as 10 to be fitted with electronic ankle monitors if they are convicted of an offence. This move is an expansion of a 2021 trial that saw serious repeat youth offenders aged 15 and older on bail ordered to wear the devices in certain regions. The trial showed promising results, with a 24% reduction in offending among the 82 young offenders who completed their bail. Premier David Crisafulli stated that the monitors reduced offending rates and that the best way to avoid wearing one is to "stay on the straight and narrow."
Proposed Legislation and Safeguards
The proposed laws would allow any child aged 10 years or older who is convicted of an offence to be fitted with an electronic ankle monitor statewide. The legislation also removes the requirement for either the child, parent, or guardian to consent to wearing the device. Youth Justice Minister Laura Gerber emphasized that there are safeguards in place, including reports submitted to the court to assess the suitability of the fitting. These reports would provide information on whether there is 4G coverage and bail support services available to ensure the device functions properly. The court would use this information to determine whether the electronic monitoring device is suitable for the individual child.
Challenges for Youth Offenders
Youth Advocacy Centre chief executive Katherine Hayes noted that youth offenders without regular housing may face difficulties with electronic monitoring devices. The devices require a safe and stable home to be charged each night and access to 4G phone and internet to function properly. If the child fails to charge the device or keep it connected to 4G, they may breach their bail conditions and be liable to be returned to detention. Hayes emphasized that while it is preferable to obtain consent for the device, measures to keep children out of jail are commendable. She stated that electronic monitoring devices are a better alternative to detention, but it is essential to address the underlying issues that lead to offending.
Trial Outcomes and Unintended Consequences
An independent report on the trial found that 139 serious repeat offenders were fitted with ankle monitors over a four-and-a-half-year period. One offender wore the device for 449 days, while the median time was 53 days. The report noted both positive and negative unintended outcomes of the trial. Some offenders viewed the devices as a "badge of honour" or experienced stigma from wearing them. However, the devices also led to greater engagement with wrap-around services and more time spent with family. The report highlighted operational challenges and administrative burdens, including device fittings being time-consuming and requiring substantial resources. Connectivity problems and false alerts were common, leading to frequent follow-up calls and home visits from authorities.
Future of Electronic Monitoring Devices
A parliamentary committee will examine the legislation, with debate on the proposed laws to begin next year. The introduction of electronic monitoring devices for young offenders has sparked debate about the effectiveness and potential consequences of this approach. While the trial showed promising results, it is essential to address the challenges and unintended consequences associated with the devices. The Queensland government must ensure that the legislation is carefully considered and that the necessary support services are in place to help young offenders succeed. By providing alternative solutions to detention and addressing the underlying issues that lead to offending, the government can work towards reducing offending rates and supporting the rehabilitation of young offenders.