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GPS tracking of offenders on trial
A statewide trial of Global Positioning System tracking devices is underway to determine the best way to monitor offenders living in the community.
GPS is a global navigation technology which provides location and time information, including mapping, anywhere in the world.
Corrections Minister Andrew McIntosh said about 30 Corrections Victoria staff were currently taking part in the two-month trial, which will help determine how the GPS monitoring technology will be used in Victoria.
The trial involves monitoring Corrections Victoria staff volunteers from around Victoria as they carry out their daily duties, as well as tracking government cars to examine the potential to monitor vehicles.
"The static electronic monitoring system currently in use allows Corrections Victoria to check that offenders are complying with curfews, as ordered by the court,” said Mr McIntosh.
“The upgrade to GPS technology will allow authorities to monitor an offender's compliance with a broader range of restrictions such as exclusion zones, movement restrictions and conditions intended to protect the community.”
Attorney-General Robert Clark said the government intended to make electronic monitoring available to the courts in a wider range of circumstances.
"We are committed to provide our courts with the option to electronically monitor offenders and suspects on bail under an expanded range of circumstances, and we are getting on with the job of ensuring that the technology is available for use under these new laws," Mr Clark said.
New laws will authorise courts to impose electronic monitoring as a condition of bail or as part of a community-based sentence.
Changes will also be made to serious offender monitoring provisions, currently restricted to serious sex offenders, to allow for post-sentence monitoring of convicted bushfire arsonists.