Bahamas launches electronic bail system – Jamaica Observer

NASSAU, Bahamas (CMC) The Bahamas has launched a new bail management system (BMS) allowing for the processing of bail applications, people who are granted bail, suretors, as well as police station check-ins, to be done electronically.

The Government said that the BMS represents a continued effort by the Office of the Attorney General to crack down on people acting as suretor for more than one persons bail.

The authorities said the system will also rely on biometrics fingerprints and photos to keep track of people who have been granted bail with conditions.

The launch of the BMS comes after two amendments to the Bail Act passed in 2014 and 2015.

The amendments puts the burden on the applicant to satisfy the court that bail should be granted as well as ensure that the protection of the victim is of paramount importance in cases where violence was involved and requires that an individual state that he or she is not currently a surety in any other proceedings.

The amendment also makes it a criminal offence punishable by up to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to US$50,000 or both imprisonment and a fine, if anyone is convicted under the act.

Read the original here:

Bahamas launches electronic bail system - Jamaica Observer