Electronic Anklets Deter Repeat Sex Crimes

Electronic tracking anklets have proven effective in preventing repeat offenses by sexual offenders, the Justice Ministry said yesterday.

Of 472 sex offenders who wore the anklets for a year after being released from prison, only one committed another crime for a recidivism rate of 0.21 percent. The figure is 5.2 percent for sex offenders who do not wear such devices.

Among those who wore the anklets, 462 were paroled, six were on furlough, three had their sentences suspended, and one had his sentence terminated.

Separately, prosecutors urged a court that 156 more sex offenders wear electronic anklets upon their release from prison. Of them, the court approved the request for 70 of them, including 36 child molesters, but declined for six others due to their unlikely prospects of committing another crime. The remaining 80 are on trial.

A survey conducted by Dongkuk University professor Cho Yoon-oh showed the effectiveness of the electronic tracking device in preventing repeat offenses. Of 63 criminals wearing the anklets, 82.3 percent said they avoided committing illegal acts and 93.7 percent said they would instantly be caught if they committed another violation.

The Justice Ministry will introduce new tracking anklets this month that are more durable and have a longer-lasting battery.

dnsp@donga.com