TRACKING devices that monitor the location of prolific offenders released on licence from prison are to be rolled out in Derby.
The Buddi Trackers, as they are called, are worn around the ankles of the offenders and their movements are recorded on a GPS navigation system 24 hours a day by satellite.
Using similar technology to in-car sat-nav systems, the Buddi Tracker – has already been dubbed "Chav Nav",
The discreet device is worn on a lockable ankle strap, strengthened by steel cables.
Unlike traditional tags, which alert the authorities if wearers step outside their homes during curfew hours, the Buddi monitors their exact movements round-the-clock.
Two of them are already being trialled in Amber Valley and Chesterfield and they are due to be introduced in Derby next month.
Superintendent Gary Parkin, who is in charge of policing in Derby, said: "The aim is for us to be able to monitor where prolific offenders are during times when crimes, such as burglary and robbery, take place.
"By wearing them they can be eliminated as suspects to a particular crime as the GPS data would show where they were at the time it was committed."
Mr Parkin said the offenders must agree to wear the devices as part of their rehabilitation from crime.
The introduction of the Buddi Tracker is part of a scheme that has been introduced in partnership with Derby City Council.
The Integrated Offender Management scheme encourages different agencies to share information and work together to control, manage and supervise a small group of offenders likely to reoffend.
Derby City Council says up to 250 potential re-offenders in Derby are being targeted and in the last four years there has been a consistent 20% to 25% reduction in the number of offences committed by this group.
The council has provided the £10,000 funding for the eight Buddi Trackers.
Councillor Ranjit Banwait, cabinet member for neighbourhoods and Streetpride, is pleased with the progress but says there is still work to be done.
He said: "In a time of austerity, crime in the city is on the up and it's our aim to try to protect the public by challenging behaviour and supporting those on the scheme to change for the better.
"Protecting the public from crime is a key priority and this integrated project to manage offenders helps us maximise limited resources."
Information is shared amongst police, housing, mentoring, employment, and drug agencies to ensure prisoners are supported on release to break the cycle of homelessness, substance abuse, and reoffending.
Last year, the Buddi Tracker was tried out on psychiatric patients who had been released from hospital.
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: "We are considering the use of new technology, including satellite tracking, to improve the management of offenders in the community. We are still looking into options and will set out more details in due course."
