The use of electronic tracking bracelets for convicts is closer to becoming a reality, after President Luis Guillermo Solís and Minister of Justice, Cecilia Sánchez, formalized the regulations to implement the devices in Costa Rica.
Since September 2014, the Legislative Assembly approved the use of these devices, but an exact date has not been defined for them to start operating. The first stage contemplates 200 devices, which are already reaching the Ministry of Justice. However, the monitoring center has not been completed.
The proposal would benefit the country in different ways, since a single day in prison for a single person costs the State around 26 thousand colones. By using these devices, the cost would not exceed nine thousand colones.
In addition, it would help solving the problem of overcrowding in national prisons.
The regulation explains that the bracelets may be used in cases such as fixed penalties, precautionary measures, or as a substitute measure, determined by a judge.
In addition, the rules state that a day with electronic monitoring is equivalent to a day of imprisonment or preventive detention; and dictate the moments in which the General Directorate of Social Adaptation should step in.
The new regulation also specifies that there will be a group of professionals who will accompany the prisoners in the process, including psychologists, counselors, social workers, educators and law specialists.
Prior to using the device, the prisoners must sign a document and agree to comply with the rules established by the judges and in case of non-compliance, the measure will be revoked.
On the other hand, the regulation states that if the convict is linked to sexual offenses against adults or crimes related to gender violence or against life, the devices should be used to allow for greater monitoring and control.
Likewise, in this type of cases, the Public Force must activate a series of protocols when Social Adaptation informs that a victim is at risk. The 31-article regulation states that the data obtained with the devices will be confidential and will only be given to the judicial authorities if a judge issues a warrant.