UK to introduce alcohol monitors for offenders
Mar 16, 2012, 10:26 PM
LONDON (AP) – Britain’s government says it will use electronic monitoring and breath testing to force alcohol-fueled criminals to stop drinking.
Justice Minister Nick Herbert says offenders given “sobriety orders” will either wear tags that test their alcohol levels or have to take daily breathalyzer tests. Those who fail the tests face jail.
Herbert said Friday that the monitoring _ already in use in several U.S. states _ would ensure “that binge drinkers who commit crime sober up.”
The government has not announced which regions will be first to introduce the plan. But London authorities have said they will start using bracelets that detect alcohol in perspiration on people convicted of drink-related offenses.
Legislation to permit such testing is now before Parliament.
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