NCJ Number
210478
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 32 Issue: 6 Dated: June 2005 Pages: 136,138,143
Date Published
June 2005
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article describes the components and aspects of GPS (Global Positioning System) offender tracking.
Abstract
While GPS criminal offender supervision has been around for awhile, new advances in technology coupled with tight correctional budgets and overcrowded correctional facilities has pushed GPS offender tracking to the forefront of supervision options for nonviolent offenders. All indications are that GPS offender tracking will only become more prevalent as judges search for viable alternatives to incarceration. As such, police officers should understand GPS systems since they are likely to encounter suspects wearing the devices. The common GPS system components are listed, followed by an explanation of active versus passive GPS tracking approaches. Most community corrections agencies have policies regarding what local police officers should do when they encounter an offender under GPS supervision; some best practices for managing offenders being monitored with GPS are offered and departments are urged to ensure their officers understand the GPS tracking system and the local protocols for dealing with GPS supervised suspects. Exhibits