// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
GPS tracking of bailed suspects to start next year, says Swinney
John Swinney met domestic abuse survivors in Holyrood ahead of a debate on tackling violence against women
GPS tracking of people on bail, including those suspected of domestic abuse, is to begin in parts of central Scotland next year, John Swinney has confirmed.
The first minister updated parliament on his plans for a pilot scheme in Tayside, Fife and Central during a Scottish Parliament debate on tackling violence against women.
It came after he spoke to domestic abuse survivors and relatives of victims at a Holyrood meeting hosted by Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay.
The government has been criticised over the slow rollout of GPS equipment, which is used far less in Scotland than in some other countries.
Swinney announced plans for the GPS tracking pilot in the annual programme for government, external earlier this month.
He confirmed to parliament on Tuesday that regulations to launch the pilot scheme in the Tayside, Central and Fife sheriffdoms - to be led by Sheriff Principal Gillian Anne Wade KC - would be laid before the October recess, and that ministers were aiming to begin the rollout next year.
He insisted the pilot would be "subject to robust local arrangements" to ensure public safety.
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