Monday, April 30, 2012

Biometric British Parole Officers?

Not Really but still interesting (The Guardian)
The machines ask offenders a series of questions, including whether they have changed their address or job and if they have been arrested since their last report or wish to speak to someone. Probation service managers will also be able to add individually tailored questions to those asked by the machines, which are believed to cost around £130,000 a year to operate.

An internal briefing document for London Probation managers, which has been obtained by the Observer, notes: "There are sensitivities around the project – there is union opposition to biometric reporting and media interest in the trial is anticipated. Biometric reporting potentially provides a significant opportunity to reduce the risk from offenders. A pilot is essential to demonstrate and quantify those benefits, so as to inform decisions about its use."