Denmark Expands Ankle Monitor Sentences to One Year

Starting today, more convicted individuals in Denmark can serve sentences of up to one year using electronic ankle monitors instead of prison time. Previously, the maximum duration allowed for this form of supervised home detention was six months. The change comes through new rules issued by the Danish Prison and Probation Service, known as Danmarks Fængsler. To qualify for ankle monitor sentencing, individuals must meet several conditions. They need a suitable residence for serving their sentence and must be employed or enrolled in education. According to Ina Eliasen, director of Danmarks Fængsler, this approach helps maintain family ties, supports work or study, and reduces the risk of reoffending. Last year’s statistics show that 20% of those serving sentences with ankle monitors received a new conviction within two years, compared to 30% among those incarcerated. The updated rules also allow eligible inmates to transition to home detention with an ankle monitor, though no earlier than 10 months. People convicted of violent crimes are excluded from these provisions. Daily monitoring costs about 500 Danish kroner, roughly one-fourth the price of a day in prison. On average, 390 people served sentences this way each day last year.