The tagging scheme will save Jersey's prison authorities �850,000

The scheme - due to start next month - will save the island's prison authorities about �850,000.

Jersey prison governor Mike Kirby thinks islanders are ready for a tagging scheme.

He expects random drug and alcohol tests for staff to be introduced in the future.

Inmates are already subjected to such tests and the measure was discussed for staff in the past.

But Mr Kirby says tests are almost bound to happen in the future.

He also believes educating inmates is vital to cutting crime.

If we can do something that makes people more employable, we are carrying out our duty towards the public in trying to reduce the risk of prisoners going out and committing more crimes Mike Kirby

He wants to see more teachers at the prison, but at the moment he says he only has enough money for one full-time educator.

He is also seeking more facilities within the prison to help with inmate education.

However, the prison has just been donated two mobile classrooms from La Moye School.

Divide time

Speaking about getting more education staff, he said: "We only have one full-time teacher and she has to spread herself very thinly across all four areas.

"Having only one prison in La Moye, we have to provide facilities for young offenders, for women and for vulnerable prisoners. So we end up having four distinct areas within the jail.

"Pat Best, who provides the education service, has to divide her time up around those four areas."

He also described how he thought education would help prevent inmates re-offending when released.

Prevent re-offending

He said: "I would like to see something that is geared towards giving the prisoners the skills they need to go out and find employment.

"There has been a lot of research done in the UK, mainly from the Social Exclusion Unit, which demonstrates clearly that the three main factors in preventing re-offending are employment, accommodation and stable relationships.

"If we can do something that makes people more employable, we are carrying out our duty towards the public in trying to reduce the risk of prisoners going out and committing more crimes.