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By Harriette Halepis

A few years ago, the state of Florida implemented a law that could easily find and track paroled child sex offenders. This law stated that all child sex offenders on parole must wear a GPS tracking anklet at all times. Today, numerous other states are considering the same kind of tracking system for criminals.

While most paroled criminals are watched carefully by law enforcement, some of these offenders managed to break free from those watchful eyes. When this happens, it is often difficult to find and track these offenders once again. Ultimately, these criminals wind up wandering the streets unknown.

Not only is this a threat to public safety, but it is also an added expense for law enforcement agencies. Searching for an escaped criminal can be costly and timely, whereas adding a simple GPS tracking device to a worn anklet is an appealing option. Those states that are considering GPS tracking bracelets would do so for violent criminals, sex offenders, and other public security threats.

Most states are still weighing the costs and effectiveness of these tracking devices, though many state leaders are seriously considering this option. Arguments against purchasing GPS anklets state that these anklets can simply be cut off and disposed of. In addition, many believe that the costs of tracking criminals in this manner would be astronomical.

However, those in favour of the GPS tracking anklets counter-argue that these devices can be fashioned out of solid materials that are impossible to cut off or remove. These proponents also argue that tracking criminals in this manner is a lot more cost effective than sending bounty hunters after each escaped criminal.

The fact of the matter is that a covert GPS tracking system is effective. These systems work, they work well, and they are the best option when it comes to locating a criminal. Thanks to this advanced technology, criminals may not stand a chance at threatening society in the near future.

As you can see, there are two sides to this debate, though those in favour of mobile GPS tracking seem to be coming out on top. A world that is free of escaped criminals and sex offenders is a world that is a lot safer for children and adults alike. This debate will likely continue for many more years, but those states that have given the GPS system a trial run have come up with promising results. Florida has made the first step towards tracking criminals via GPS – will other states begin to follow suit?