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By Greg Bartlett

For some time now, law enforcement departments have been using GPS tracking to monitor the movements of certain paroled criminals, such as sex offenders, to ensure that they are not violating the terms of their parole. The ability to keep tabs on their whereabouts at all times reduces the likelihood that these criminals will commit additional criminal acts once they have been released from prison. As more uses for GPS tracking come to light, greater usage can be expected to be implemented by law enforcement to help them perform their duties more efficiently.

GPS Tracking & Criminals

One Maryland county is now considering a bill that would extend GPS tracking monitoring to some individuals who have a protective order filed against them. If the individual has a history of not complying with protective orders, he could be required to wear a GPS monitoring device in an effort to provide greater protection to victims of domestic violence. Officers could set up perimeters for an “exclusion zone” that would set off an alarm if crossed by the GPS wearer. Legitimate reasons to enter this area could be called in ahead of time. Protective orders have a dubious history of actually preventing domestic violence from occurring, since it’s nearly impossible for police to watch the offender at all times. GPS tracking makes greater monitoring possible and puts a priority on the safety of the victim. If approved, Washington County would begin a pilot program that would last for two years before determining whether the practice should be instituted.

One of the greatest benefits of using GPS tracking to monitor criminals is that it allows law enforcement departments to do a better job of monitoring potentially dangerous individuals while at the same time reducing their need for additional resources. Jobs that formerly required many officers and many hours on the clock can now be accomplished by the tracking devices, needing only one officer to monitor the computer and respond to any alerts. This allows departments to make the best use of limited funds and to do a better job protecting the community at the same time.

As police departments constantly seek better ways to ensure the safety of crime victims, GPS tracking has consistently delivered stellar results. There will undoubtedly continue to be new ideas and options brought to the table and as they are, the hope is that GPS tracking can help make every community a safer place to live.