Court Systems Order GPS Tracking on Parolees

(My Original Blog Post: http://ping.fm/9N2Va)
Probationers and parolees pose a unique problem for those charged with monitoring them due to the fact that they frequently change locations and fail to notify their parole or probation officers. A GPS tracker in the form of an ankle bracelet gives the officers the information they need to keep track of their charges. The officer will receive a phone call or other notification if the device is more than a certain distance from a specified location and they are able to monitor the whereabouts of the wearer via computer with internet-based maps.

Recently, a California man was arrested after a woman reported someone trying to break into her apartment. He was recognized by neighbors and was wearing a GPS tracker, allowing police to track and arrest him a short time later. Not only was he arrested for this incident, but he may possibly be responsible for other burglaries in the area. Because he was wearing an ankle bracelet with GPS, he was brought in quickly.

Other uses of GPS devices are to keep offenders away from their particular problem areas such as schools, day care centers or areas of high crime. There are units that are “smart,” knowing the rules for where the offender is to be all of the time, and where he is not to be, and sending a warning if those rules are violated; immediate correction of the offense is required or authorities are notified. A mapping module allows officers to see each of their clients’ locations and the supervision they require because they are coded by color. This allows them to be more efficient in the jobs, spending the bulk of their time on those who need the most supervision.

The GPS tracker is a powerful tool in the tracking of probationers and parolees because it allows officers to know where their charges are at all times. While there is some cost involved, it will pay for itself quickly by reducing the manpower needed to monitor at-risk individuals and to quickly pinpoint their location. This very effective investment will prevent crimes and should be routinely used by law enforcement to give them an edge they need. Encourage your city and state officials to implement a gps tracking system and let technology keep accurate tabs on people that need to be in check at all times. Do it for the safety of your community.