Email

GPS tracking systems have been used effectively in the field of criminal justice for many years. Though some may argue that the use of such monitoring systems invades a person’s privacy, you cannot argue with its effectiveness in keeping track of criminals who have been released on parole. GPS tracking has been particularly effective in keeping an eye on the whereabouts of sex offenders and gang members.

The old electronic monitoring system uses encrypted radio signals that alert the base, and the band goes off only when the transmitter has been tampered with or when it is moved outside its specified range. GPS monitoring, however, tracks a person using satellite technology to within 5 meters. The system still uses the ankle bracelet and triggers an alert whenever the person enters a restricted area; however, parole officers can track down their parolees for random parole checks, and it can even be used to make sure a person is not breaking curfew.

Keeping up with the increased number of parolees tagged with this special GPS tracking device has proved to be overwhelming. One AP report showed that 44% of a parole officer’s time is spent tracking down GPS alerts, including alerts that are simply triggered by low batteries, but that only 12% of their time is actually spent in the field.

The California Department of Corrections, long a leading state in the use of GPS tracking devices for their parolees, would like to privatize the monitoring aspect and thus relieve the parole officers of a huge burden; this would put more men in the field where they can be more effective in law enforcement on the street. California is looking to the makers of the GPS technology to come alongside for this monitoring.

They plan to launch a pilot program in the summer of 2011 that would test the plausibility of outsourcing the monitoring of parolees wearing GPS anklets. Not only will the finances of such a project be evaluated but also the ability of the GPS companies to recognize serious or high priority alerts and notify the proper authorities.

Another benefit to using the GPS tracking system is to deter criminals from committing further crimes once they are released. Where crimes have been committed despite GPS monitoring, it is usually the fault of officials who have failed to respond adequately to alerts. But if law enforcement can partner with GPS tracking companies for the monitoring of sex offenders and gang members, then America can be an even safer place.

Article Written by Nichole Decoust