Japan's Justice Ministry Trials GPS Monitoring for Sex Offenders

Japan's Ministry of Justice Trials GPS Monitoring System for Sex Offenders

September 16

Japan's Ministry of Justice is planning to implement a pilot program starting in the next fiscal year 2027 to monitor sex offenders released on bail or probation using GPS technology.

Justice Minister Hiroshi Hiraguchi confirmed at a press conference on September 11 that the necessary expenses for the program have already been included in the budget request for fiscal year 2027.

Under the program, it will not be mandatory for all offenders to wear the devices; only those who agree to participate will be monitored, and GPS devices will not be worn on the body, according to the statement.

Under Japan's offender rehabilitation law, those released on bail or probation are required to submit to supervision by probation officers during their trial period.

In this new program, the Ministry of Justice says it is considering taking necessary corrective measures, including in-person interviews and questioning, if suspicious behavior related to criminal activity is detected based on the location data of those released on bail or probation.

If the pilot proves truly effective, it will be fully implemented on a permanent basis, according to reports.

The Japanese government has also included in its 2023 crime recidivism prevention plan measures to enhance the handling and supervision of sex offenders by learning from international systems.

Ref & Photo; The Japan Times

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