Legal and human rights issues in the use of electronic monitoring (using GPS ‘tracking’ technology) in forensic mental health settings in the UK
Journal article
Malek, S., Hearn, D., Fahy, Thomas, Tully, John and Exworthy, Tim 2023. Legal and human rights issues in the use of electronic monitoring (using GPS ‘tracking’ technology) in forensic mental health settings in the UK. Medicine, Science and the Law. 63 (4), pp. 309-315. https://doi.org/10.1177/00258024231174820
| Authors | Malek, S., Hearn, D., Fahy, Thomas, Tully, John and Exworthy, Tim |
|---|---|
| Abstract | Electronic monitoring (EM) of individuals has been used by the criminal justice system for the past thirty years, and in the UK, use is on the increase. Its use has been justified as an alternative to prison to reduce recidivism and allowing early release of prisoners, however, the evidence base for this remains mixed. In 2010, it was employed for the first time in a forensic psychiatry setting. A study investigating the effects of EM on leave episodes concluded that EM may improve the speed of patient progress and reduce the length of admission, leading to reduced costs and increased public safety. However, the intervention generated considerable controversy and sparked discussion about ethical concerns. Here, we consider specifically legal and human rights issues that emerge from use of EM in forensic healthcare settings, scrutinising its use in the context of the Mental Health Act and the Human Rights Act. We conclude that EM is legal and justifiable, providing it is used judiciously and with due consideration of concerns for the individual and the given context. |
| Keywords | Law; Health Policy; Issues, ethics and legal aspects |
| Year | 2023 |
| Journal | Medicine, Science and the Law |
| Journal citation | 63 (4), pp. 309-315 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications |
| ISSN | 0025-8024 |
| 2042-1818 | |
| Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1177/00258024231174820 |
| Official URL | https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/00258024231174820 |
| Publication dates | |
| Online | 15 May 2023 |
| Publication process dates | |
| Deposited | 31 May 2023 |
| Accepted author manuscript | License |
| Output status | Published |
| Additional information | Publications router: Date 2023-05-15 of type 'publication_date' with format 'electronic' included in notification |
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https://repository.canterbury.ac.uk/item/94v5y/legal-and-human-rights-issues-in-the-use-of-electronic-monitoring-using-gps-tracking-technology-in-forensic-mental-health-settings-in-the-uk
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