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State Representative Joe Atkins
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4192
For more information contact: Christina Gosack 651-296-5524
Press/News Releases
New Program Will Track High-Risk Sex Offenders By GPS
Thanks to a bill co-sponsored by Rep. Joe Atkins of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota counties will begin this month requiring high-risk sex offenders to wear ankle bracelets equipped with tracking devices to monitor their whereabouts upon release from prison. The technology known as GPS (global positioning system), commonly used for mapping or navigation, will allow parole officers to track the movements of dangerous sex offenders.
"These new ankle bracelets will keep dangerous offenders constantly under watch," explained Atkins.
The ankle bracelets will tell parole officers when a sex offender has entered an area restricted under his parole conditions, like a playground or a school. Restricted areas, such as a former victims home, can be programmed into the tracking system.
If an offender removes or damages the GPS equipment it will be treated as a violation of his parole.
"Experience in other states shows that the level of repeat crimes goes down when sex offenders know they are under 24-hour surveillance," Atkins said. "This law will help keep our communities and our kids safe."
News Items
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- Rep. Atkins – Statement on Deal to End NHL Lockout - (Posted: Jan 7 2013 2:05PM)
- Rep. Atkins to Hold Minnesota House Hearing on Economic Impact of Hockey Lockout - (Posted: Jan 2 2013 3:20PM)
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