Alberta’s New GPS Monitoring Program for Repeat Offenders on Bail

Alberta introduces GPS ankle monitoring for repeat offenders to enhance public safety and address bail system issues

Alberta’s New GPS Monitoring Program for Repeat Offenders on Bail
Alberta’s New GPS Monitoring Program for Repeat Offenders on Bail

Edmonton: Starting Wednesday, Alberta is rolling out a new program to keep an eye on high-risk and repeat offenders with GPS ankle bracelets. This move aims to fix some of the issues with Canada’s bail system.

The province says that offenders who might be a danger to the public will now be monitored around the clock. This is part of their community supervision conditions, managed by Alberta Correctional Services.

If someone is under this electronic monitoring, they’ll have to wear a GPS device. This is all part of a broader effort announced last year to improve public safety.

Mike Ellis, the Minister of Public Safety, mentioned that the current bail system is broken and that this step is crucial in tackling rising crime rates. He emphasized the need for better supervision of high-risk offenders to keep communities safe.

The government believes that these ankle monitors will help keep victims safe by ensuring offenders stay away from restricted areas, like victims’ homes or workplaces.

Probation officers will still oversee those under community-based conditions, but this new program adds a layer of monitoring that wasn’t there before.

For the first year, Alberta is investing $2.8 million to get this program off the ground, with plans to work with SCRAM Systems until March 2029.

Frustration with the federal bail system has been clear, with officials calling for reforms to prevent violent offenders from returning to communities.

With this new GPS monitoring, Alberta is joining other provinces that have similar programs in place.

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