The Catch
One potential problem with the GPS tracking system rests in the hands of the Supreme Court. If they rule that 24-7 surveillance infringes on a person’s Fourth Amendment rights, Santa Fe and other cities seeking to implement GPS technology may be back to overcrowding and overspending in their jails. In anticipation of the ruling, Santa Fe has asked burglars selected for the program to sign a contract waiving their right to privacy. Those in the program are also required to obtain gainful employment, not only to give back to society but also to keep them from going back to their criminal activity.

With a burglary occurring approximately every 15 seconds in the United States, mostly by repeat offenders, states need to consider a plan of action that will not cost the taxpayer even more hard-earned money. The Chief Deputy District Attorney for Santa Fe, Doug Couleur, told ABC News in an interview, “You can’t put everyone in jails. There is no money for new jails and there are no beds in the jails. There have to be alternatives for jails and this is a pretty good one.” Used properly, GPS tracking technology in the form of monitoring, actively and passively, can help authorities reduce prison costs and prison overcrowding.