Electronic Surveillance Implemented for Aggressive Criminals in Latvia
Latvia is taking steps to combat violence against women, including cyberviolence, by implementing electronic monitoring as a potential solution to reduce violent crimes. However, the specifics of this approach in Latvia are not explicitly detailed, making it challenging to directly assess its effectiveness.
The European Union Directive (EU) 2024/1385, adopted in May 2024, encourages member states like Latvia to strengthen protective measures and legal mechanisms for women. This directive addresses various forms of violence and encourages the use of monitoring perpetrators, but it does not specify the use or outcomes of electronic monitoring in this context.
Electronic monitoring is commonly used as a condition of bail, parole, or probation in many jurisdictions, particularly for offenders involved in domestic violence or violent crimes. In Latvia, the circumstances under which such monitoring will be applied are not described in the available information.
The State Police in Latvia have demonstrated their readiness to launch electronic surveillance, which involves the use of a bracelet worn around the ankle of the perpetrator. This device monitors the location of the perpetrator and sends signals to mobile tracking devices, allowing for potential preventive work and stopping crimes before they are committed.
The bracelet is intended for high-risk subjects of violence who repeatedly violate temporary protection orders. However, it's important to note that not all perpetrators will be subjected to electronic monitoring; each case will require a thorough assessment.
The involvement and cooperation of the victim are essential for the effectiveness of electronic monitoring. The victim receives a signal on their mobile device when the perpetrator approaches, while the perpetrator does not receive any message.
Reports indicate challenges with law enforcement effectiveness in Latvia, contributing to impunity in cases of violence. Measures aimed at better training for law enforcement, judicial capacity, and victim protection are ongoing but not explicitly linked to electronic monitoring.
By the end of 2027, the government will evaluate the operation of the electronic surveillance system, its results, possibilities for expansion, and calculate potential costs. The government will also report back to the Saeima on the evaluation of the electronic surveillance system.
Despite the challenges, Latvia has a high rate of women killed by violence in the EU per 100,000 inhabitants. Last year, there were almost 10,200 cases of domestic violence reported, many of which involve multiple victims, including children.
In conclusion, while Latvia is advancing legal frameworks to combat violence against women, additional, more targeted research or official statistics will be required for a conclusive evaluation of the usage conditions and effectiveness of electronic monitoring specifically in reducing violent crimes against women in Latvia.
- The government of Latvia, in line with the EU Directive (EU) 2024/1385, is considering the implementation of electronic monitoring for perpetrators of violence against women, including in the context of cyberviolence.
- The Saeima, the Latvian parliament, will be informed of the government's evaluation of the electronic surveillance system's operation, results, potential for expansion, and cost calculation by the end of 2027.
- The use of electronic monitoring in politics and policy-and-legislation of Latvia aims to reduce violent crimes against women, particularly in cases where subjects are high-risk repeat offenders who violate temporary protection orders.
- Challenges exist in Latvia's crime-and-justice system, such as law enforcement effectiveness and impunity in cases of violence, which may impact the overall impact of electronic monitoring in reducing violent crimes against women.
