Using GPS to Fight Domestic Violence

To protect victims of domestic violence, Connecticut will begin using GPS monitors to track the movement of high-risk offenders.

BY: Andy Kim | April 12, 2010

Earlier this month, Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell announced that the state will launch a pilot program, using GPS monitors to track the movement of high-risk domestic violence offenders. In the pilot, state workers will outfit--at a minimum--21 high-risk offenders with ankle bracelets and give victims similar devices to carry. The victims, as well as the police, will be notified when an offender violates court orders, like tampering with the ankle bracelet or going past a buffer zone. This allows for the victim to implement a safety plan while law officials react to the alert. In addition, the offender could face greater penalties for violating orders. Funded by federal stimulus funds, the $140,000 program will last for one year and initially be run in three judicial districts. At least thirteen other states have passed similar legislation. Gov. Rell had previously announced she would use over $2 million to fund multiple initiatives addressing dating and domestic violence.

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