Offenders With Minor Offences In UAE To Get Electronic Bracelets

Offenders in the UAE might have just gotten a leniency option

The UAE is in talks to introduce electronic tagging on those found with minor offences in the UAE.

As an alternative to prison sentencing and police custody to those with sentences of two years or less without immediate deportation might just get the electronic tagging instead.

These crimes would include theft, writing fraudulent cheques or similar offences can be given this lenient option.

It is also applicable to those who are out on bail, suspects in the course of a trial or those on house arrest in the UAE.

Electronic bracelets, or ankle bracelets, are GPS controlled devices that are able to track the exact location of the offender while he or she is wearing it.

The introduction of these electronic tagging schemes will also help offenders reduce the fines against them – every day spent wearing the tagging device will reduce AED100 from their fines.

Who’s applicable?

Offenders who have been convicted with the same crime more than once will not be able to get this leniency option in the UAE.

Or those who have been convicted of serious crimes – murder, drug offences, sexual offences etc…

However, those who get the monitoring device are able to request to leave the UAE for some time if they supply the following:

• Destination
• Reason of travel
• Return date

But this time spent away from the country will not be reduced from their sentencing.

Suspects under house arrest who apply for a limited leave, would not be able to do so without the ankle bracelets as they would have been under police custody.

It’s also important to note that the law only grants judges the ability to decide when and if the tag is necessary on a case-by-case basis.

Prisoners who have received their sentencing between 2-5 years can apply to serve half of their sentencing at home with the ankle bracelet.

Is it safe?

The ankle monitoring device will immediately alert police of any suspicious activity.

Police will also routinely visit the offender’s home to ensure the device is working properly and gather data and reports.

At home-prisoners must also inform the police if they are to move away from the house.

It is not yet known when exactly the bracelets will be introduced.