Collapsed Psychological Pressure... Electronic Ankle Bracelets That Are Not Scary

No Psychological Pressure on Mr. Kang
Effect Varies Depending on the Wearer
Supervision Method Tailored to Characteristics Needed

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] "We monitor everything you do 24 hours a day, wherever you are."

Electronic monitoring devices (electronic anklets) worn by high-risk individuals who have committed crimes such as sexual assault carry this implicit meaning. They exert psychological "pressure." Through this pressure, thoughts and behaviors are controlled to prevent crimes. This is the most basic function that the government and investigative agencies expect from electronic anklets.

Recently, this basic function has been breaking down. Following Kang (56, detained), who damaged his electronic anklet and murdered two women, another sex offender, Ma Chang-jin (50), cut off his anklet and fled in Jangheung, Jeollanam-do, and his whereabouts remain unknown. A sex offender in his 60s, A, who sexually assaulted a woman in Ulsan and disappeared, cut off his anklet in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and is still wanted.

Experts emphasize that attention should be paid not to flaws in the electronic anklets but to the characteristics of the offenders who damaged them. These are criminals who mock the psychological pressure of the anklets and are "above average." Dr. Kim Ji-sun of the Korea Institute of Criminology and Justice Policy analyzed, "Kang and others are criminals for whom electronic monitoring using anklets is not an appropriate deterrent." In fact, Kang showed psychopathic tendencies. Upon arriving at the court for a warrant hearing on the 31st of last month, he said, "My regret is not killing more," and "Of course, I do not repent. Society sucks," while verbally abusing others.

The effectiveness of electronic anklets also depends on the wearer. Supervision methods should be tailored to the characteristics of the offender, but current laws and systems do not allow this. It is analyzed that crimes following repeated damage to electronic anklets have occurred because of this.

According to the legal community, the Ministry of Justice currently has no measures or devices stronger than electronic anklets to suppress criminals. Although "chemical castration" exists, it is applied only to a very small number of offenders obsessed with sexual crimes, and the rest are all managed with electronic anklets.

Electronic anklets alone do have a preventive effect. As of July, the recidivism rate of offenders wearing electronic anklets was 0.91%, much lower than other general management and supervision methods. General probation and similar measures exceed 10%.

Upgraded electronic anklets are also under development. New anklets by FYD and the Korea Electronics Technology Institute (KETI) can test for alcohol and drugs through sweat and odor and detect additional signs of criminal behavior. The signal transmission time is also shortened based on 5G communication. Regarding this, Dr. Kim said, "Electronic anklets are intended for social adaptation and prevention of recidivism, but if electronic monitoring is strengthened every time a problem arises, it could negatively affect even those who comply well."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.