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| GPS tracking of sex offenders to begin this month |
| By Associated Press |
| Published: 01/26/2004 |
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Some sex offenders expected to be freed from Minnesota prisons this month will wear global positioning devices that allow authorities to closely track offenders' whereabouts. "This provides us with a cutting-edge technology tool to enhance our supervision," said Bill Guelker, director of field services for the state Corrections Department. "It doesn't guarantee anything, but it clearly gives us a better tool to track our most serious sex offenders." The bracelets will use Global Positioning System information, Guelker said. The state's decision to use the technology is part of an effort to protect the public from Level 3 sex offenders -- those considered most likely to reoffend. The devices will nearly double the daily expense of monitoring the offenders. On average, offenders will use the devices for six months. The technology will cost the Corrections Department $175,000 to $200,000 a year based on the annual release of about 45 Level 3 offenders. The daily cost of about $17 for the technology and vendor expenses is in addition to the $20 daily expense for monitoring offenders on intensive supervision. The tracking system requires an offender to wear an ankle bracelet, which transmits a signal to a portable tracking device that can be attached to an offender's belt. The device uses GPS signals and a wireless network to report an offender's movements. Probation officers or vendors can access the data using a secure Internet connection or by contacting the call center 24 hours a day. |
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