Skip to content

News

Trial with 24/7 alcohol monitoring via Alcoholmeter

In January 2017 a trial with the ‘Alcoholmeter’ started in Rotterdam and eastern Netherlands. The Alcoholmeter is an ankle bracelet that measures the wearer’s alcohol consumption. People who have committed criminal offences under the influence of alcohol are being asked to take part in the alcohol monitor trial. The aim is to prevent the person from offending again.

By Anne Hoeksema

Trial with alcohol monitor as a condition attached to suspended sentences Someone who has committed one or more criminal offences under the influence of alcohol may be given a suspended sentence with conditions attached. One such condition may be a temporary ban on consuming alcohol. The Alcoholmeter must be used in combination with supervised probation to monitor compliance with this ban.

Aim of the trial

The aim of the trial is to determine whether the Alcoholmeter is an appropriate sanction and whether it is effective in combination with professional counselling. The research team will assess whether the monitor has an effect on offenders’ alcohol consumption and behaviour. The monitor is being tested on 100 participants who have been given an alcohol ban. Participation is voluntary.

The Probation service will be using the Alcoholmeter in addition to the current breath-, blood- or urinetests. Offenders wearing Alcoholmeters will be supervised by probation officers for compliance with their alcohol ban. The Probation Service receives readings once a day via a modem at the wearer’s house. The advantage of the Alcoholmeter is that offenders will no longer have to go to the Probation Service for testing three times a week. Continuous monitoring can also help offenders overcome their alcohol problem. If the trial is successful, the government will consider introducing legislation on its use.

Reducing alcohol-related crime Alcohol abuse often plays a significant role in violent crime. The government is taking targeted measures to reduce the number of violent criminal offences. Attaching special conditions such as an alcohol ban to suspended sentences can help prevent alcohol-related violence and other offences.

The alcohol monitor has already proven successful in the United States and the United Kingdom: 78% of participants in the US and 92% in the UK completed the programme without consuming alcohol. So the Dutch government wants to investigate whether the alcohol-monitoring ankle bracelet can be used in the Netherlands too.

The Ministry of Security and Justice, Verslavingsreclassering GGZ (SVG, non-profit community rehabilitation and probation service), Reclassering Nederland, Leger des Heils and the Public Prosecution Service are all involved in the trial.

Violence under the influence of alcohol In the Netherlands 25% to 50% of violence is linked to alcohol consumption. Excessive drinking often plays a role in: vandalism; violence in the night-time economy; street violence; football hooliganism; and domestic violence. Alcohol abuse costs society more than €3 billion a year.

More information If you have any questions about the trial with the Alcoholmeter you can contact the SVG project manager Anne Hoeksema via a.hoeksema@svg.reclassering.nl or +31614187199 and check for more information: www.svg.nl

Related News

Keep up to date with the latest developments, stories, and updates on probation from across Europe and beyond. Find relevant news and insights shaping the field today.

Probation in Europe, Technology

Have Your Say: EU Call for Evidence on the Digitalisation of Justice (2025–2030)

18/08/2025

The European Commission has opened a Call for Evidence on the Digitalisation of Justice: 2025–2030 European Judicial Training Strategy.

Reading corner

Criminal Justice

Parole Futures

18/08/2025

At a time when many parole systems are experiencing considerable strain, the aims of this collection are twofold: first, to encourage systematic and critical reflection on the rationalities, institutions and practices of parole. Second, to think big, and pose ambitious ‘what if’ questions about the possible futures of parole and prison release. Offering novel insights from Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America, this collection builds the case for, and then showcases, a ‘way of doing’ parole research that is global in outlook, interdisciplinary in approach and unapologetically normative in character.

New

Probation in Europe

New Vodcast Episode: Prof. Bernd Maelicke on The Prison-Dilemma

12/08/2025

The 13th episode of Division_Y features an in-depth conversation with Prof. Bernd Maelicke, one of Germany’s most respected voices in prison and probation reform.

New

Probation outside Europe

CEP Ambassador Steve Pitts Receives Prestigious Japanese Honour

05/08/2025

We are pleased to share that CEP Ambassador Steve Pitts has been awarded the prestigious Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette by the Government of Japan. The honour was officially presented on 25th July 2025 at a formal ceremony held at the Japanese Ambassador‘s residence in London, hosted by the Japanese Ambassador.

New

CEP Events

Mark Your Calendars: Exciting Probation Events Ahead

30/07/2025

As the season continues, we’re looking ahead to a dynamic line-up of events across Europe. From specialised workshops to international training and conferences, there’s something valuable for everyone working in probation and beyond.

New

Probation in Europe

New Vodcast Episode: Tobias Merckle on Free Forms of Juvenile Detention

12/07/2025

The 12th episode of Division_Y features an engaging discussion with Tobias Merckle, a social worker and social entrepreneur from Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!