Gps Anklets Track Battering Suspects
Nearly one in five North Carolina domestic homicide victims in 2004 died at the hands of defendants free on bond for other domestic violence charges, according to an analysis conducted by the Raleigh News & Observer. However, one North Carolina county has begun using satellite technology to track domestic violence defendants, thereby improving protection during what advocates call the riskiest period for victims.
Pitt County domestic violence defendants are required to wear an anklet and keep with them at all times a tracking device that hooks onto a belt, hangs in a car window or is mounted at home. County deputies log the defendant’s schedules into a computer system and map out where they can and cannot travel.
If the defendants go where they are not allowed, stray too far from the tracking device, or tamper with the anklet or any of the equipment, deputies are notified via text messages sent to their cell phones. Deputies can then call the defendant and check in, or they can use computers in their patrol cards or at the office to see where the defendant is and send nearby deputies there.
Pitt County Sgt. John Guard and victims’ advocates hope other law enforcement agencies across the state will begin using the technology, which so far seems to have kept the 20 or so defendants who were monitored from committing additional domestic violence before they were tried.
Abstracted by the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center(NLECTC) from the Raleigh News & Observer (NC) (01/01/06) P. A1; Weigl, Andrea .