GPS Devices May Be Used To Monitor Parolees
District Attorney Advocates Use Of GPS Trackers
If District Attorney Stephan A. Zappala has his way criminals released early from jail on parole will have to wear GPS tracking system bracelets while they show the parole board and community that they have been reformed. Wanting to extend the GPS tracking and monitoring program beyond the use of sexual offenders, Zappala has applied for a state grant asking to begin a program that would use GPS trackers to monitor approximately 1000 parolees who were released from prison for a variety of offenses ranging from drugs, sexual misconduct, and domestic violence.
Zappala is under no belief that GPS tracking technology will ensure that all parolees will adhere to their mandated restrictions while trying to rejoin society in a productive manner, but he also understands that the current system used to monitor parolees is extremely flawed. In a statement released to the press, Zappala explained that real time GPS tracking and monitoring technology has advanced and improved to the point where it can have a very real and visible impact on the protection and security of citizens.
Over the past few years, many Pennsylvania counties discontinued the use of old-fashioned electronic monitoring devices and upgraded the systems with GPS trackers.
The Technology Used By Probation Officers
Tracking System Potential Flaws
Although Zappala’s new plan to record the movements of certain parolees via GPS tracking technology has picked up steam over the past few months the plan does come with some controversy as some opponents of the tracking plan have stated the GPS systems may not work perfectly. With many Pennsylvania areas being very rural and lacking solid cellular coverage, opponents to the GPS monitoring plan state the even though the GPS systems will be on the parolee they might not work properly in certain locations.
GPS Tracking Opinion
Do you think by monitoring parolees via GPS tracking technology that a criminal will be less likely to repeat prior offenses?
Is Zappala’s tracking plan a long-term solution?
Should parolees have the right to privacy?
Source: Pittsburgh Live
Matthew is a freelance writer who is passionate about technology, music, photography, and decentralized finance.
