Satellite Tracking of Criminals

(United Kingdom) Using electronic ankle bracelets and global positioning satellites, convicted sex offenders, burglars, robbers, and car thieves will be tracked 24 hours per day in a pilot project announced by British Home Secretary David Blunkett. At a daily cost per criminal of about $100, the tracking program will "cover several thousand people, including 5,000 prolific offenders," according to Correctional Services Minister Paul Goggins. This adds up to a total cost just for the pilot program of over $180 million per year. No information was provided regarding the cost or timetable for extending the tracking program to the entire population.