100 Prison Beds Freed as Denmark Expands Ankle Monitor Rules

Denmark is expanding its use of electronic ankle monitors to ease overcrowding in prisons. Starting Sunday, people sentenced to up to one year—double the previous six-month limit—can serve their time at home with a monitor, unless convicted of violent crimes. This change is part of a broader criminal justice reform agreed upon by a wide parliamentary majority in June last year. The director of Danish Prisons, Ina Eliasen, says the move is expected to free up around 100 prison spaces over the next four years. She explains that those eligible are typically convicted of traffic violations or drug-related offenses. The system relies on a lightweight ankle device weighing about 100 grams that triggers an alarm if removed or if curfew rules are broken. Applicants must have suitable housing and meet strict conditions. In 2025, 390 people served sentences with ankle monitors daily. According to Denmark’s Prison Service Annual Statistics 2024, only 20% of those on monitors receive a new sentence within two years, compared to 30% for those incarcerated. About 10% breach their conditions, often by missing curfew, not necessarily by committing new crimes. With prison occupancy exceeding 100% and more inmates expected due to upcoming sentencing increases, authorities are hiring more staff to manage applications and supervision. A day with a monitor costs roughly 500 kroner, far less than the 2,000 kroner for a prison day.