Letter: Tags do help to prevent crime
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: There would have been no need for Stephen Shaw and Paul Cavadino to speculate (letters, 12 November) on the likely effect of monitoring a home curfew order on young offenders with the electronic tag, had they looked to the evidence.
The crime-reducing effect on offenders aged 10-14, for instance, is impressive. A study from Allen County, Indiana, shows a success rate of better than nine in 10 in the sensible use of the electronic monitor on home curfews covering a 60- to 120-day span.
Your correspondents ask for the "strengthening of bail support and intensive supervision" and for a "back-up to social work intervention". This is precisely what the tag will do, if intelligently applied by courts with the co-operation of probation workers.
Behavioural changes induced by the tag have already saved many a young offender from a life of crime and imprisonment as an adult.
TOM STACEY
Director, Offender's Tag Association
London W8
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments