ORANJESTAD (AAN) – Aruba’s Public Prosecutor’s Office and Stichting Reclassering en Jeugdbescherming Aruba (SRJA) have signed an agreement to launch a pilot project titled Electronic Monitoring During Suspension of Pretrial Detention, commonly known as an ankle monitor program.
The pilot project is aimed at young suspects between the ages of 12 and 23 and will officially begin on July 1, 2026.
Electronic monitoring will only apply to young suspects whose pretrial detention can be suspended following a recommendation from Reclassering. In such cases, a judge may impose electronic monitoring as a condition for release at the request of the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The program is designed to determine whether electronic monitoring can help reduce the negative effects of detention on young suspects. It allows participants to continue attending school, working, or receiving guidance while authorities monitor compliance with court-imposed conditions.
Reclassering will supervise participants and report directly to the Public Prosecutor’s Office. Any violation of the imposed conditions will be reported immediately, and prosecutors may request the court to terminate the electronic monitoring arrangement.
Because electronic monitoring restricts personal freedom and movement, participants must remain at their registered residence except for approved activities such as school, work, or treatment programs. Additional conditions may include mandatory reporting to Reclassering, no-contact orders, or participation in rehabilitation programs.
The pilot project will be evaluated on February 1, 2027, to assess its effectiveness and determine whether it should continue or be expanded.
