OFFENDERS in Scotland could have their alcohol consumption monitored remotely.
The move would see offenders wear water-resistant ankle tags which would test their sweat every half-hour to detect whether alcohol has been consumed.
So-called “sobriety tags” have already been used in the US and parts of Europe. They have regularly been issued to those found guilty of drink-driving, with US actress Lindsay Lohan told to wear one in 2007. Similar to current electronic tags used on criminals, the new devices would also alert authorities if they are removed or tampered with.
The move comes after a contract was awarded by the Scottish Government to security firm G4S to run electronic monitoring operations for the next five years.
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MSPs passed the Management of Offenders Act last year. It allows for the possibility of remotely monitoring for alcohol consumption, as well as other methods of electronic monitoring. The proposals could allow Scottish courts to make those convicted of offences relating to alcohol wear the tags. The UK Government is looking at rolling out a scheme across England and Wales.
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “The Management of Offenders Act widens the availability of electronic monitoring and allows for the introduction of other technologies, including remote monitoring of alcohol consumption and GPS.
“We are discussing with partners how such enhanced monitoring may be used in future when the relevant parts of the Act come into force.”
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