GPS bracelets to track low security prisoners

Low security prisoners will now be tracked when travelling between prisons and their workplaces by fitted GPS ankle bracelets. Photo / Supplied

GPS monitoring of offenders is to be extended to include prisoners on release-to-work schemes.

Corrections Minister Anne Tolley said today that low security prisoners would be electronically tracked while travelling between prisons and their workplace, as well as on the job.

"Swift action will be taken if they stray into designated exclusion zones," she said.

Up to 40 offenders at Hawkes Bay Regional Prison, Spring Hill Corrections Facility, Rolleston Prison and Auckland Region Women's Corrections Facility will have ankle bracelets fitted to allow real-time monitoring while working outside the wire.

Prisoners on release-to-work schemes are generally employed in labouring industries close to the prison.

Mrs Tolley said release-to-work schemes reduced offending by over 15 per cent and were already in place in prisons across the country.

"As with all prisoners on release-to-work schemes, the prisoners considered for GPS monitoring will be carefully screened to ensure public safety is not compromised."