Japan to Pilot GPS Tracking for Paroled Sex Offenders Starting 2027

The Justice Ministry of Japan is set to embark on a new initiative aimed at enhancing the supervision of paroled sex offenders through GPS tracking devices, with plans to launch the pilot program as early as fiscal year 2027.

Justice Minister Hiroshi Hiraguchi announced during a news conference on Friday that funding for this program has been included in the ministry's budget request for the upcoming fiscal year, which commences in April 2027. This initiative will only involve parolees who voluntarily agree to participate, and the GPS devices will not be physically attached to their bodies.

The primary goal of this program is to mitigate the risk of recidivism by enabling probation officers to monitor parolees’ movements and provide necessary guidance if any concerning behavioral patterns are detected. Under existing legislation, parolees are already required to receive supervision from probation officers and volunteer officers, and this new method seeks to complement that framework.

While the specifics regarding the type of GPS device have yet to be finalized, the ministry is committed to ensuring that the program imposes minimal burden on the participants. If the pilot proves successful, it may lead to a broader implementation of GPS tracking as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the treatment of sex offenders, as outlined in the recently adopted Second Recidivism Prevention Plan.

Source: www.japantimes.co.jp