GPS TRACKING

Satellites to be used to track offenders

NZ NewswireUpdated June 27, 2012, 10:58 am

Satellite tracking of high-risk offenders released from prison will begin in New Zealand in August, the government has announced.

Corrections Minister Anne Tolley says the introduction of the global positioning technology in ankle bracelets will initially involve 11 child sex offenders released into the community on supervision orders or on parole.

That number will rise to up to 200 in 2013, and will include high-risk offenders yet to be released, and those already in the community.

No change in legislation is required.

The move comes before the release from prison of serial offender Stewart Murray Wilson, dubbed the Beast of Blenheim.

Wilson will be freed on September 1, after serving two-thirds of his 21-year sentence, imposed in 1996 for a variety of sexual offences against women and children over a 25-year period, including rape, attempted rape and indecent assault.

He was sentenced before preventive detention laws were introduced and will be released subject to strict conditions that apply up to 2015.

The Probation Service has also applied to the High Court for Wilson to be put on an extended supervision order that would allow him to be closely monitored for up to a decade beyond 2015.

"We need to stay one step ahead of these people and this proactive approach with more advanced technology allows us to reduce the risks to the public," said Mrs Tolley.

"We must do all we can to keep our communities safe, and GPS tracking is an excellent way to tighten up extended supervision orders, and keep tabs on the small number of offenders who require much closer monitoring."

The existing electronic monitoring system only works when those wearing it are at a set location.

The government is also planning public protection orders, enabling Corrections to keep the most dangerous offenders in prison indefinitely, and is considering creating a register of child sex offenders.

Peter’s Comment

What a great idea.

There must be many ways that GPS tracking of offenders could be expanded. For example why not have GPS tracking of people convicted of hit-and-run offences and drivers who have failed to stop when instructed by police. That would effectively end dangerous police pursuits.

The system could be further expanded to reduce offending by requiring the installation of remote disabling equipment in all repeat offenders’ cars. Voluntary installation of the equipment could lead to lower insurance premiums for car owners.

Let’s have GPS tracking of vehicles for a safer society all round.