Introduction: Testing Life with an Ankle Tag
Justice Secretary Alex Chalk and a journalist from HOAR spend 24 hours experiencing life with an ankle tag, typically reserved for criminals. The use of ankle tags has increased by 55% in the past year, reflecting the overcrowding in Britain's prisons. This experiment aims to understand the impact of ankle tags on individuals and their perception by society.
How Ankle Tags Work
Ankle tags, introduced in 2018, use GPS technology to send live location data to the Ministry of Justice's Electronic Monitoring Service. The tags are about the size of an old Nokia phone and are securely fastened to the left leg. They cost approximately £300 each and have been fitted on nearly 9,000 individuals. Compared to older radio frequency tags, GPS tags provide real-time tracking, allowing authorities to detect any breaches of exclusion zones.
Life with an Ankle Tag: The Experience
Wearing an ankle tag was a unique experience. The journalist describes the weight of the tag and the occasional discomfort while walking. The need to keep the tag charged and avoid tampering with it was emphasized. However, the most significant impact was emotional, as wearing the tag made the journalist feel like a criminal. The constant awareness of others' reactions and the sense of embarrassment were unexpected challenges.
Ankle Tags: Reminders of Crime and Debt to Society
The ankle tag serves as a constant reminder of one's crime and the debt owed to society. Despite their appearance, both the journalist and Justice Secretary Chalk felt the weight of judgment and stigma associated with wearing the tag. The experience shed light on the emotional toll ankle tags can have on individuals, even if they have not committed a crime.
Conclusion: Ankle Tags as a Gamechanger
Ankle tags are a crucial tool for monitoring individuals who do not pose a significant threat and can help alleviate overcrowding in prisons. Despite the positive intentions behind their use, the emotional impact on wearers should not be underestimated. The journalist's experience provides valuable insights into the effects of ankle tags on individuals and society as a whole.
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