3M unveils new GPS Monitoring tag

The diversified technology company, 3M, has introduced its new electronic monitoring device, designed to reduce reoffending, to the UK following its multi-million pound rollout in New Zealand, where more than 2,000 devices are in operation.

Last year 3M won a contract, worth around $80million over five years, from the New Zealand Department of Corrections to be its official electronic monitor supplier.

It is expected that the 3M One-Piece GPS Tracking System will help the department reach its goal of a 25 per cent reduction in reoffending by 2017.

3M’s tag is designed to provide accurate and real-time GPS offender tracking along with effective enforcement of home detention curfews.

The new product offers a robust integration of tracking, communication and mapping technologies that enable operators to efficiently track offenders, both indoors and outdoors, at varying levels of intensity.

To meet today’s market requirements, 3M has designed the new tag to make it lighter in weight than the previous model. It also works with the 3M Cordless Charger, which means it can be recharged without the need to plug into a wall socket.

However, the product’s most pioneering feature is the improved implementation tool, which allows the tag to be fitted to an offender’s leg more easily and reduces the risk of it being tampered with. 

Matt Prevett, the business lead for 3M police markets, said: “It is fantastic to be able to launch this product to the UK market. The 3M One-Piece GPS Tracking System not only fully meets market standards, but it goes above and beyond these with the improved implementation tool.

“Our work with the New Zealand Department of Corrections has confirmed 3M position as a market-leader in the electronic monitoring field. We are confident we will see the same success with this system in the UK.”

3M is a trademark of 3M Company.