In my latest endeavor, I once again assumed the role of an offender to test the Ministry of Justice’s newest technological innovation. Previously, I had explored an alcohol monitoring system by attempting to breach it at a local pub. This time, I delved into a new surveillance tool while posing as a community-based offender.
The innovative approach involves post-release and non-custodial criminals answering behavior-related queries through a smartphone questionnaire. Following their responses, individuals must provide a brief video, which is scrutinized using artificial intelligence to confirm their identity. James Timpson, the Prisons Minister, aims to utilize mobile phones to maintain a sense of accountability for offenders outside prison walls.
Timpson, an advocate for prison reform, is leveraging technology to address the persistent issue of prison overcrowding. During my recent trial, I visited the Ministry of Justice for registration before receiving my initial check-in notification on my work phone unexpectedly.
The notification, although intrusive, required me to complete the survey promptly. I disclosed personal struggles, triggering potential red flags for probation officers to offer assistance. Subsequently, a brief video confirmation was necessary to validate my identity, which proved challenging even when tested with various individuals.
This new tool forms part of an £8 million initiative to bolster criminal monitoring, emphasizing a quasi-incarceration environment within the community. A pilot program has commenced in four Probation areas in England, incorporating the latest technology as an additional supervision component.
Timpson underscores the necessity of effective community-based penalties, envisioning further integration of technology to enhance offender monitoring. While the online check-ins present a convenient engagement method, the long-term impact remains uncertain. Timpson highlights the irreplaceable nature of in-person probation appointments.
Despite the technological advancements, the potential for deceptive survey responses and the evolving emotional state of offenders raise questions about the efficacy of such methods. The prospect of extensive reliance on tech-based supervision could steer away from human-centric offender monitoring, signaling a potential shift in monitoring practices.
Sophie, a Political Correspondent at the Mirror since December 2022, focuses on UK politics, particularly prisons, the justice system, education, and online safety.