Canada Introduces Federal Offender Monitoring Program

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia — The Canadian government launched a pilot program in September to electronically monitor federal offenders.

Under the program, which is already in place in Nova Scotia, Correctional Service of Canada will monitor up to 30 offenders near Ontario with a GPS ankle bracelet. The system will be used to monitor curfews and residency restrictions, according to officials.

GPS monitoring will benefit the community by quickly alerting authorities of violations and compelling offenders to abide by the terms of their release, officials say. It is also expected to increase safety for parole officers conducting late-night checks of offenders under imposed curfews.

“In 2006, Nova Scotia became the first province in the country to use GPS technology to monitor offenders,” says Cecil Clark, Nova Scotia provincial justice minister and attorney general. “We are pleased to share the knowledge and expertise we have gained over the past two years with the Government of Canada.”

The program complements the Tackling Violent Crime Act that was introduced earlier this year. The legislation provides for better monitoring of offenders who have reached the end of their sentences and have been released to the community.