G4S, which already helps the British government monitor offenders electronically, will work on the five-year contract with local provider ICON Group.
ICON will store equipment and man a monitoring centre while G4S provides support, training and the monitoring system itself.
The Department of Corrections will manage the installation and recovery of equipment and respond to any rule-breakers.
Julian McGovern, international director of G4S’s electronic monitoring (EM) projects, said the company was delighted to have been awarded the contract.
“We are looking forward to working closely with the Department of Corrections and playing our part to help ensure the new Community Detention programme fulfils its potential.”
Electronically monitored curfew – or community detention – is a major part of New Zealand’s Criminal Justice Reform Act 2006. It was passed to deliver strong and credible community-based sentences which combine punishment, rehabilitation and reparation.
Electronic monitoring will be used by the courts as an alternative sentencing option either on a standalone basis or in combination with other community-based sentences.
General manager of the department’s community probation and psychological services Katrina Casey said, “We look forward to working closely with G4S on the development of our latest addition to our suite of electronic monitoring.
“The reputation of G4S and their broad experience in the EM business were factors in our decision to select G4S.”
